We, The Chapel Creatives, are pleased to open an offering to the Lord— expanded and accessible spaces for the worship arts—a visual arts gallery and a virtual stage for singer songwriters. We hope these new spaces will inspire more authentic worship and creative energy for the glory of Christ. Our prayer for the future is that art will be displayed in calendared shows and concerts sometimes highlighting the vision of artists in and around our faith community, sometimes complementing a sermon series and sometimes focusing on a challenge or blessing in our current experiences. We’ll be learning along the way and welcome feedback. If you’d like to learn more about why we were inspired to start this project, click here.

May the creative God we serve lead us in our arts as worship and our worship as an art.

SOLO EXHIBITION: CHAD COX

“Living Waters: An Artist’s Journey of Faith”

“Whoever believes in me… rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

John 7:38

Water has always been part of my story. Growing up in Virginia Beach, I spent countless hours swimming, fishing, surfing, and later boating with my family. Those experiences taught me joy, adventure, and sometimes fear when I realized how powerful the water could be. Each painting in this show represents a season of my life, from childhood wonder to life’s storms, from surrender to renewal. Through it all, God has been present, shaping me, teaching me, and leading me to Him. Art has also been part of my story from the beginning. My first job was as an artist’s apprentice, and later I built a career as a designer, art director, and owner of a small creative studio. For nearly 20 years, I focused on building businesses and helping others express their stories.

Recently, I’ve felt God encouraging me to create again with my own hands. What you see here are my fist attempts at acrylic paint, a reintroduction after years away, and an invitation back into the art scene with fresh eyes and a heart of faith. This exhibit isn’t just about my paintings. It’s about God’s story of redemption and renewal. He is the source of Living Water, the one who carries us through storms and calms, the one who makes beauty flow out of brokenness. My prayer is that as you walk through these works, you’ll not only see my journey but also glimpse God’s presence in your own.

Note: If you are interested in speaking to an artist about their art or about commissions and/or purchases, please email the curator (Mike Lane) at haoyisi2@gmail.com for contact information.

“Swimmer in a Pool”

As a child, I found joy and confidence in the water. Swimming was freedom, fun, and growth. Later, as a lifeguard, I learned that not everyone shared my comfort with water. Some struggled to stay afloat, and I realized how much we all need someone to help when we are sinking.

Psalm 36:9 — For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

“Shark in the Ocean”

Surfing became my passion, chasing the perfect wave. I never thought much about danger until a bull shark appeared one day. It was a reminder that beneath the surface, unseen forces can threaten us. In life, too, what we can’t see can suddenly change everything.

Psalm 18:2— The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take my refuge.

“Dark and Stormy Waters”

Storms can overwhelm without warning. In rough seas, it is easy to lose direction, unsure of which way is up. Life has felt that way too— times when I was tossed about, gasping for air, desperate for a way out. In those storms, I began to realize my strength wasn’t enough.

Psalm 69:1-2 — Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold

“Tsunami Devastation”

The tsunami of 2004 killed over 200,000 people. As a new father, I was shaken by how powerless we are against forces beyond our control. Watching the destruction unfold reminded me that life is fragile and fleeting. Yet even in tragedy, I began to see God’s hand, inviting me to trust in something greater than myself.

Isaiah 43:2— When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

“Jellyfish”

At some point, I surrendered. I realized I wasn’t in control and gave my life to Christ. Like a jellyfish carried by the current, I learned to trust Him fully, allowing God’s current to guide me, not my own striving.

2 Corinthians 5:7— For we live by faith, not by sight.

“Sunrise”

With Christ, every day is a new beginning. Like the rising sun over the water, hope returned. Life wasn’t suddenly perfect, but I knew that each morning carried God’s promise of renewal.

Lamentations 3:22-23 — Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.

“Water Reflection”

When the pandemic came, I didn’t respond with fear as before. Instead, I reflected on what truly mattered— family, friends, faith, health. I realized what I had been striving for what I already had in Christ: a full and joyful life.

Phillipians 4:11-12 — I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.

“Hawaiian Waterfall”

My journey is as an artist is still unfolding. What I know is this: every gift, every inspiration, comes from the Lord. He is the source of living water the one who refreshes, sustains, and creates beauty in all things. I’m grateful to co-create with Him, and I invite you to seek Him too.

Joh 7:38 — Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.

ARTISTS CLOSING COMMENT

This story is not just mine; it can be yours too. God invites each of us to drink from His living water. No matter what storms you’ve faced, He offers peace, renewal, and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:17 — Let the one who is thirst come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.