Art is like hospitality that invites us to explore universal themes of culture, community, and faith. The cfGallery exists to foster conversations around these themes. In addition, it serves as a space for personal engagement and spiritual reflection.
We welcome collaborations with artists of diverse backgrounds in this endeavor to gain a fuller understanding of ourselves, our neighbors, and the world. We believe that the bridges we form through the arts strengthen relationships for our common good.
Our art gallery in Columbia, MO is located in the CF foyer and is open to the public during regular office hours. We also host receptions for our different shows to celebrate and honor the artists.
At the front of our classroom, we have posted the following verse:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24
This verse reminds us that the work of our hands is ultimately not for us, not for a grade, but for Jesus. We do not have any talent or skill that was not first given to us by the Lord, and we glorify him best when we reflect back to him the goodness he placed in us.
After a year’s worth of work, this show is our act of worship. It is an offering of creativity back to our creator with humility and gratitude.
Natalya Chernookaya (Ms. Cher)
Christian Fellowship School Art Instructor
Textile Artist and Storyteller
“My art unites stitches and sacred stories. Both highlight testimonies drawn from narratives of African Americans in bondage. Their simple, yet complex lives, heartbreaks, and victories are unveiled using original appliques stitched by hand and machine.
Through story and art, the curtain is drawn back on these ‘lesser-known lights in the vast heavens of Black History,’ who sought to live out their full God-given potential.
I gift these precious stories to anyone willing to see, hear, and learn.”
Artist Bio
Sandra is a Show-Me state woman born in Sedalia, MO. Most of her life has been spent in Arizona, and most recently, east Texas. Having come full circle, she is excited to get reacquainted with the Midwest.
She is a self-taught artist who learned basic sewing skills on her mother’s antique Singer. Not long thereafter the detail and quiet rhythm of hand stitching got her attention. The twists and turns of recent years have steered her to explore textiles as art. Sandra has a longstanding interest in biographies and Black History. This in part stems from W.E.B. Dubois being in her mother’s lineage and her mom discussing life “back in the day.” When studying art masterpieces and history Sandra often asked herself, “Where are the Black people?”
Discovering the US slave narratives was like uncovering jewels. These common yet extraordinary people Sandra calls, “The lesser-known lights in the vast heavens of Black History.” Her growing compilation of historical fiction weaves color into the white spaces of their accounts.
Sandra’s artistic process is uncomplicated. When she reads a narrative, a scene becomes prominent, sparking creative ideas. Imagination and prayer lead the way in fabric choice, creation of appliques, and type of stitching. She has learned to relax and flow with the inspiration, especially since fabric is a forgiving medium. Just as life can be wild, sometimes the edges are left raw and strands dangling.
Learn more about Sandra and her art at her website Remnants Arise: Stitches and Sacred Stories.
Watch the cfGallery “Ask the Artist” video series below to learn more.
This group is designed to help you integrate your faith with your artistic interests.
Come discover ways you can grow, be encouraged, and find opportunities to serve with your unique gifts.
Connect with this group by contacting Kristin Gadsden.
