Categories in Cryout Column widget

I am using the “Presentation Page” with the “Presentation Page Columns” (via the Cryout Column widgets). I’d like to showcase my categories and their description via these widgets. In other words, one column widget = one category title/description/an_image.

I have tried via shortcodes, no luck. I have tried with PHP exec plugins so as to activate PHP code in the Cryout Column widget, no luck either.

I am kind of running out of ideas. I would be very grateful to hear about any suggestion anyone may have!