In formal and semi-formal attire, students streamed into the William H. Jones Center at Columbia International University for the third annual Gallery, hosted by The Fellowship of Christian Professionals and the Exchange, student led business and art clubs.  

The Gallery provides a place for students to showcase and sell their art to the CIU community. Students, as well as some recent alumni, displayed everything from oil paintings to hand-made charcuterie boards.

Students, faculty and family members milled about the main conference room purveying and purchasing the handmade goods. One student, when discussing her near-photorealistic hand-drawn art, said she simply took up the practice of doodling when she was younger and taught herself how to draw. Another student selling his paintings described them as being expressive of his emotions during different periods of his life.

The president of the Fellowship of Christian Professionals, Colby Hull, said he noticed that the work of the exhibitors just gets better each year.  

“It’s cool to see students come back the next year and how they have grown their businesses,” Hull said. “I think it's kind of satisfying and there’s a nice feeling of getting to see the growth of an event while also seeing some of the same people over the years as they better their craft.”

The Gallery has become a staple of student-led CIU events, enabling students a unique opportunity to share their God-given talents.

CIU is celebrating 100 years of its mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.” The university consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.