After a nineteen-month battle with cervical cancer, Columbia native Anastasia Chernoff, artist and curator slipped away on December 6, 2016. Anastasia expressed that she did not fear death, only that she was sad to leave her beloved family and friends.

Anastasia was a treasured connector and creator in the arts community. She loved hosting First Thursdays at her gallery anastasia & Friends and her dedication to established and emerging artists broadened the scope of the arts in Columbia. Many local charities advocating children and arts benefited from her generosity from the many events she created or promoted in the city.

Those close to Anastasia adored her sunny disposition, were inspired by her open-mindedness, and experienced absolute loyalty. She brought light to every situation. Her ability to find and share beauty was only surpassed by her huge capacity to love.

Anastasia is survived by her mother and stepfather, Ann and Tom Hankins; her daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and Matt Melton; her aunt Kathy Dickmann; and her cousin Hannah Ritchie. Anastasia is also survived by a large group of family and friends whose kindness and care helped sustain her joy throughout her difficult battle with cancer. Her family wishes to thank her many faithful friends and extended family for the extraordinary outpouring of support and love throughout her care and treatment.

Long live the beauty and positivity she radiated through every one of us.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Art Bar in downtown Columbia, on Sunday, December 11th, from 6-8PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to One Columbia, where a memorial fund has been established in her name that will continue to promote the development of art and artists in the community. Donations may be made to One Columbia, 1219 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC 29201 – memo Anastasia Fund.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Lugoff-Elgin Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.