JACKSON, Tenn. — Aug. 21, 2025 — Sadie Schumacher has always felt drawn to the creative process.
“My greatest passion in life has always been art,” said Schumacher, a studio art major at Union University from North Canton, Ohio. “I am amazed at the creativity God has given humans — that I can create, with my own two hands, something that didn’t exist before.”
This summer, Schumacher served as an exhibit artist through the Embark Internship Program with Answers in Genesis’ Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. She worked hands-on in exhibit design and fabrication, including painting murals at the Ararat Ridge Zoo, creating miniature foliage for a Jerusalem model and turning PVC pipes into realistic bamboo for upcoming installations. She also had the opportunity to shadow professional artists and observe behind-the-scenes operations at the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum.
Her passion has guided her academic journey at Union, where she is pursuing concentrations in both sculpture and painting.
“I get to learn to work with metal, wood and clay,” she said. “I get to learn to spin wool into yarn, and how to fire a wood kiln and how to pour concrete. I love the creativity that my major allows me to experience.”
Though Union wasn’t initially on her radar, Schumacher first heard about the university late in her senior year of high school through Tim Zornes, the sports ministry director (now youth pastor) at her home church.
“God kept opening doors for Union,” she said. “During the Scholars of Excellence weekend, I was very impressed with the atmosphere, openness and mission at Union.”
Over the next few months, she became more and more sure that Union was where God wanted her to be. Open to wherever God leads, Schumacher said she hopes to use her artistic gifts for a Christian ministry.
“I would love to work for the art department at a Christian ministry, such as Answers in Genesis,” she said. “I am taking one step at a time and getting involved in various art opportunities to prepare for the future.”
Her time at Union, she said, has prepared her in both skill and spirit. She says her art professors have helped her find her area of greatest passion while positioning her for a career by providing networking opportunities.
Spiritually, Schumacher has found community and clarity.
“Being at college, I have grown spiritually as I have relied on God’s strength, motivation, wisdom and inspiration,” she said. “Also, being at Union, I have been able to have many uplifting spiritual conversations, and I have had wonderful Bible discussions and prayer times.”
As she continues to pursue her calling, Schumacher said she is moved by the way faith and creativity come together at Union.
“My art professors do an incredible job with combining faith and art,” she said. “I am surrounded by those who are passionate about creating for the glory of God, which is humbling, encouraging and beautiful.”