Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder — and at Gallery 48 in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, beauty unfolds in layers of color, texture, and story. The gallery showcases a vibrant mix of local and international artists, each offering a unique perspective on the world around them. Among those artists is Columbia-based painter Mary Lehner, whose original art captures still lifes, seascapes, and landscapes.

Art has been part of Lehner’s life for as long as she can remember. Raised in a creative household, she was surrounded by visual thinking and design from an early age, as her father worked in construction and drafting. Her passion for art followed her through high school and into college, where she earned a degree in illustration. Painting became a deeper passion after the birth of her oldest daughter, when a watercolor workshop sparked a lasting love for painting outdoors while living in Hawaii.

Primarily working in watercolor, with oils and acrylics splashed into the mix, Lehner describes her style as interpretive realism. While her work is grounded in realism, it is guided by intuition and emotion rather than strict representation. Color plays a central role in her paintings — bold, expressive, and unapologetic. Trends toward monochromatic palettes have never tempted her. “If it doesn’t have color, it feels lifeless to me,” she stated.

Her goal is simple yet profound: to show beauty and allow others to experience it the way she does. “There is a sensation in experiencing God’s creation that I infuse into my pieces by painting from life and also reinterpreting those pieces in my studio. Psalm 19:1-4 continues to be my inspiration. ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.’  What an amazing reason to paint!”

Lehner took a scenic route to Columbia in 2021, with her life’s journey taking her through Hawaii, California, Washington, Oregon, and even Canada before finally landing in the South. Much of that movement followed family, as she and her husband prioritized staying close to their children and grandchildren.

Along the way, Lehner became involved in the art communities where she lived. She first taught watercolor classes in Spokane in 2005 and, after a 7-year hiatus, returned to teaching in Portland in 2018. Teaching challenged her to slow down and articulate what had long been instinctive. Watching students discover their own artistic styles became one of the most rewarding parts of her career. “I love seeing students come into their own and watch them develop their own style.”

Watercolor, Lehner admits, can be an unforgiving medium — especially for beginners. She encourages her students to give themselves grace, reminding them that growth comes through both successes and failures. That same lesson has stayed with her personally, especially during recent seasons of life marked by profound change and loss.

Last August, Lehner experienced the loss of her husband of nearly 25 years. During his illness, painting had taken a back seat, but in October, she felt ready to return outdoors to paint again. That decision led her to enter the Eagle Plein Air Festival & Competition in Eagle, Idaho. In this weeklong event, artists paint on location, capturing the natural beauty of Eagle Island State Park.

This experience tested her confidence at a delicate stage of life and pushed her to create again. By the end of the competition, she had entered two paintings for judging. Over the years, Lehner has won numerous awards in juried exhibitions, but was stunned to receive Best Architecture and Best New Artist honors. Even more unexpectedly, all six of the paintings she created during the event sold before she returned home — an affirmation at a pivotal moment in her life.

Today, Lehner continues to nurture her 30-year passion for painting. She continues to teach in studio and on location, is working on expanding her Southern art portfolio, and accepts commissions. Her current collection of work captures both reflection and renewal, drawing inspiration from places she has lived, moments she has experienced, and the quiet dialogue that happens when faith, memories, and creativity intersect. Before each painting, she pauses and prays, allowing the process to unfold as she is led.

Lehner’s work will be featured at Gallery 48 throughout April, with a meet and greet at the Opening Reception on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Lehner will also be in gallery on Friday, April 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. as part of Columbia’s First Friday festivities. Wine and small bites will be served, and visitors are invited to experience her work up close — color, story, and all.

Gallery 48 is located at 107 West 7^th Street, Columbia, Tennessee. For additional information on featured artists such as Mary Lehner, visit gallery48.art. Follow on social media @gallery48.art.