Sandra Bowden is one of the founders of CIVA. She served on the board for 26 years. She crafted the position of President of the Board for 14 of those years. There will never be another president quite like Sandra.

Sandra uniquely honors CIVA’s mission in all her activities. Wherever she travels, speaks, and exhibits work, CIVA is quick to come into conversation. She uniquely and passionately tells the CIVA story, attracts donors and members, and shares the unique mission and purpose of CIVA everywhere she goes.

Sandra and Bob, her supportive and equally dynamic husband, have made a gift to ensure the future of CIVA. Their gift is the seedling for the "Bowden Fund" and the catalyst for opening an endowment fund to ensure the future funding of CIVA generally, and for several of Sandra’s prized projects, into perpetuity.

The monies of the Bowden Fund will be raised to support three programmatic components: The Presidents’ Awards, honoring leaders in the arts, church, and culture in keeping with the purposes of CIVA to encourage the highest artistic achievement and a commitment to share ideas and work in a spirit that fosters trust; the creation of CIVA Traveling Exhibitions of CIVA artists’ work; and CIVA Scholars, funding Christian scholars to explore the intersection of faith and art.

The CIVA Board wishes to honor Sandra's service and vision by inviting you to make a gift toward the Bowden Fund. Your name will be added to a list of donors who want to invest in the future value of CIVA for generations to come.

You can give to this fund by going to the "CIVA STORE" on this website and following instructions under "Donate" in the menu. Simply state in the comments box as you are checking out that you intend for the amount to go to the Bowden Fund. You may also request a pledge/donation card from the CIVA Office by contacting us at office@civa.org.