Celestial Ministries School of Fine Arts: Living the dream through the arts

Our Story & Our Founders

Celestial Ministries was founded by Stanley and Antoinette Ratliff, who have been serving in the Lawndale community for over fifteen years. The Ratliffs have a special passion and calling for reaching out to families in the Lawndale community who have incarcerated loved ones. After Stanley received clemency from the state of Illinois after serving two years of a nine year prison sentence, the Ratliffs became committed to supporting children and families of the incarcerated as well as helping other children in the community reach their full potential in Christ.

Stanley and Antoinette Ratliff  had the vision to find a way to stay connected and build up the

children of the incarcerated. Immediately, they saw that they could use music to change these kids lives. They then compiled a talented group of artists and musicians from the community to volunteer to teach children music, tutor them in their studies, and develop their life skills. Nothing like this exists on the West or South side of Chicago. Also, most of the music programs have been cut from public schools in Lawndale because of a lack of funding. Celestial Ministries now provides a rigorous music and art curriculum and a support system of community and love for children and families living in the North Lawndale community.

Celestial Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.