The holiday season celebrates connection and joy—and art reflects those same values. Recognizing the vital role art plays in a community, Joanna Kica opened Gallery 48 in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, in March 2024. Art tells our stories, builds cultural bridges, stirs emotion, and enriches our homes with beauty and meaning. Kica’s gallery does just that, showcasing a thoughtfully curated collection of paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted jewelry pieces.

Among the featured artists at Gallery 48 is Niki Parsons, whose watercolor and oil pieces, accented with subtle touches of gold leaf, radiate light and elegance. Her unique work carries a story and is especially resonant during the holidays, as it captures the calm and wonder of nature as we prepare to celebrate the season.

Born and raised in Michigan City, Indiana, Parsons earned a Master of Fine Arts from Pensacola Christian College in Florida. Since 2004, she has called the Nashville area home, where she lives with her husband, Taaron, and their four children in Spring Hill.

Some of Parsons’ artwork, featured at Gallery 48, includes titles like Evening Tide (2024). This magnificent piece is a 24” x 48” oil on gallery-wrapped canvas with gold leaf, capturing the serenity of the tide and sunset. Its gold leaf gilded edges add an elegant finishing touch. Another piece, Proclamation (2025), is a 24” x 24” oil and gold leaf that portrays a tranquil field as the sun sets. In addition to her luminous oils, gallery visitors will also discover some of Parsons’ vibrant watercolors of birds on display.

Parsons’ works highlight her gift for creating art that deeply connects with viewers. “Niki’s pieces are spectacular because her colors are soft. Her Tennessee sunsets are beautiful and her seascapes capture the sun and the radiant colors of the surroundings,” Kica said. “Niki uses gold leaf with her oil paintings, bringing them to life. They glow when the right light hits the painting, making them come alive, as if it is happening right in front of your eyes.”

Parsons’ works highlight her gift for creating art that deeply connects with viewers. “Niki’s pieces are spectacular because her colors are soft. Her Tennessee sunsets are beautiful and her seascapes capture the sun and the radiant colors of the surroundings,” Kica said. “Niki uses gold leaf with her oil paintings, bringing them to life. They glow when the right light hits the painting, making them come alive, as if it is happening right in front of your eyes.”

Parsons isn’t the only talent in her family. Her husband, Taaron, is also an accomplished artist. His portfolio encompasses landscapes, portraits, and still-life paintings. Together, they share a passion for bringing light and beauty into the world and glorifying Jesus through their work. Guided by the belief, ‘He created it, and we recreate,’ their work reflects the spirit of Soli Deo Gloria—to God alone be the glory.

Additionally, both artists have earned national recognition for their work. Parsons’ work has been featured in Splash 9: The Best of Watercolor, while Taaron’s pieces have been featured in publications including Southwest Art, American Artist, and Strokes of Genius: The Best of Drawing.  

As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Parsons’ very talented 16-year-old daughter, Addison, is already showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit by channeling her artistic abilities into a face-painting business, @facepainting_by_addison_jane. “She is highly creative in a lot of areas,” Parsons said. “But her business focus has been doing face painting at First Fridays, birthday parties, and local festivals.”

Whether you are searching for a one-of-a-kind gift, a special piece to brighten your home, or simply a quiet moment of inspiration, Gallery 48 welcomes you to discover how art can positively enrich your life. Stop by the gallery on First Fridays, November 7, when Parsons will be the featured artist at an art opening reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s the perfect opportunity to pause, enjoy a glass of wine and light bites, and explore the meaningful beauty art can offer.

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