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KERNERSVILLE -- Statues, stained-glass windows and other works of art long have decorated the world's churches.

Kernersville Community Church has taken it a step further.

The nondenominational church has turned part of its building into a public art gallery, Affinity Art Gallery, where artists can exhibit and sell their works without paying rent or commission.

"It is purely a public service, to help artists and to help consumers have access to local artists," said Joseph Cotten of Greensboro, a church member, graphic design firm owner and a gallery curator.

The gallery will hold its grand opening Saturday, with live music, free food and drink -- and, of course, art.

Visitors will find paintings, drawings, photography and mixed media hanging in hallways and in parts of the church's café. Some sculpture also might be available, but curators want to focus on art that can hang, Cotten said.

Greensboro artists Jamie Harris and Jon Fox will be among artists showing their work. Artists don't have to be church members to exhibit there.

Cotten isn't the only family member active in the 70-member church. His brother, Ben, is its pastor. Joseph Cotten's wife, Jessica, is worship leader.

The art gallery idea materialized as the church's creative team talked about a possible Christmas program. But a team member proposed showing art instead.

"As a church, we are trying to think in new and different ways," Cotten said.

He and Julie Cefaratti, a Winston-Salem artist, serve as curators. Volunteer church members will sell the art, but buyers will write checks directly to artists.

"We are trying to get out of the way of connecting artists to art buyers," Joseph Cotten said. "If we can make the connection happen in an easier and more organic way, that's what we want to do."

After Saturday's grand opening, the gallery will hold monthly exhibitions showcasing new work from Triad artists.

For now, the gallery will be open only from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday.

It has to ensure that volunteer staff will be available before expanding its hours, Joseph Cotten said.

Those who visit on Sunday don't have to attend the service in the building's auditorium -- or become church members, Cotten said. But if they do, that's fine, too.

"The goal is not to add to our numbers," he said. "The goal is to help more people."

Contact Dawn DeCwikiel-Kane at 373-5204 or dawn.kane@news-record.com