Retirement means, “less work – more art.”
At least that’s what Cheryl Church said Sunday during her retirement celebration at artCentral. The Carthage High School art teacher is wrapping up her 27-year career but she’s far from hanging up her paintbrushes.
“It feels crazy,” Church said about retiring. “It feels like I just started.”
In recent years, the public has enjoyed Church’s work with four murals in Carthage plus two more in neighboring towns. Joining her as both a friend and colleague on these projects, Carthage art teacher Alexandra Burnside said the district’s art department will not be the same without Church.
“I’ve worked with her for the past 11 years – always this artistic partnership – and we offer a lot of leadership to the art department,” Burnside said. “She’ll leave behind big shoes to fill. She expanded the curriculum to include so many more mediums of art because of her talents and skills.”
In the smiling crowd at artCentral were friends, family and several of Church’s former students. Also joining the cheery occasion was Carthage art teacher Fred Mintert, who noted Church’s influence in the next generation of artists.
“For years, her students have been producing fantastic works and gone on to do so many different things with their lives,” Mintert said. “It’s been amazing to work with her, and I know she won’t disappear from the art community.”
Sandy Higgins, a devoted local art lover, wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to send her best wishes to Church.
“Cheryl has been a bright light in working for the schools, artists and staying strong under situations that need to be addressed in a positive way,” Higgins said. “I see her continuing to brighten Carthage and area with her dedication to all.”
More About Cheryl
A native of St. Paul, Kan., Church earned her bachelor’s of science degree from Pittsburg State University and her education degree from Kent State University at Stark. Later she earned her master’s in gifted and talented education from the University of Arkansas.
She began her teaching career in 1995 in Ohio, Kansas, and then came to Carthage, Mo. In 2004, she married Kyle Saving and has loved her role as a wife, mother and educator. In 2016, Church launched a series of adult coloring books.
Traveling Historic Route 66 inspired her to create more mediums of art including puzzles, maps, histories and gigantic murals.
In 2022, Church and Burnside were honored with the Missouri Art Educator of the Year award in their respected divisions. Read more about the award here.
