Our simple sanctuary and original classroom wing, built of cinder block and arched wooden beams, provide a backdrop for art, and windows which allow the sun to stream in. The original building was designed by F. Carter Williams , AIA, in 1955, a prominent architect of the modernist movement in the 50’s. The design received the second award for Religious Education Facilities from the Church Architectural Guild in 1956.
When we gather for worship in the sanctuary, the communion table is our visual focal point, drawing us into quiet contemplation. Artists in the congregation create centerpieces from natural materials and found objects in a variety of design styles. These reflect the liturgical calendar or the natural seasons.
On the Art Wall in our newer education wing hangs rotating exhibits by local artists. We have hosted openings for the community, and invite artists to contact us about showing their collection at CUCC.
Here you are seeing an exhibition by Raleigh “greenway artist” Autumn Cobeland.
Commissioned and donated works in a variety of media include a triptych in clay, wooden furnishings, quilts, and architectural details from our former downtown building. Click here to view photos of our Art Gallery.
While our skill levels vary, the people of CUCC have plenty of imagination and a willingness to have fun trying our hands at creativity. Our children and youth work together every Advent to create ornaments for our Christmas tree. Intergenerational gatherings may feature an opportunity to make visible whatever we are learning together through individual or group art projects. We’ve even set aside a project room where we can make a creative mess together.
We want our grounds to welcome our neighbors human and animal, being beautiful and sustainable. We are a National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat and are increasing our use of native plants. Nature’s design with some intentional stewardship on our part provides us with a sunny lawn for play, a wooded amphitheater and fire pit (both Eagle Scout projects), a deck for a spring lunch, and a covered outdoor lounge. Benches are scattered around the property to invite conversation or quiet rest. Look closely and you will see seasonal flowers, fruit trees, and nuthatch families making homes in two nest boxes.
The Memorial Meditation Garden was designed by Mac Hulslander with inspiration from Japanese gardens, North Carolina vernacular and Native American spirituality. Statues and plaques remind us to both stop for a time of meditation and to remember those saints for whom the garden is a final resting place.
Do you own visual artworks which speak to you of God?
Let’s talk about a show on the art wall.