GCA Art Blog Ministry
Welcome to our GCA Art Blog. Our artists inspire us! We have three categories:
- Fresh Oil Artists: a fellowship team that meets quarterly. Their blogs, though based on mutual themes, are unique and beautiful. They also contribute their art to our annual traveling exhibitions.
- The Great Commission: a blog written by our director, Marianne McDonough. Using various art pieces from our membership, she explores why and how we focus on the Great Commission.
- Exhibition Artists: blogs featuring art and faith statements from some of our traveling exhibitions.
- Art and Poetry: blogs combining art and poetry from contributing writers. In some cases, the art and poetry may be authored by the artist.
We hope our offerings here will brighten your day!
Fresh Oil Artists
“Waiting for the Cousins”
If we think about it, we spend a lot of time in our life “waiting.” We often need to wait when we would rather not and sometimes are impatient and annoyed as a result, but waiting helps develop patience, which is needful to live a well-balanced life. By Barbara Bonnell based on Galatians 5:5 and Discovering God
“Ordinary Things”
Every time I feel “stuck” in old patterns of life, God teaches me new ways to see things and draw closer to Him. As I look afresh at the ordinaries of life, He shows me more and more how much He loves me individually. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, based on Revelation 21:5 and Discovering God
“Peony”
A plant that came from my grandmother’s farm taught me something new about God’s love. But I needed to take time to see and appreciate it first. By Diane Tobolt, based on Luke 12:27-28 and Discovering God Through the Arts by Terry Glaspey Scripture: Luke 12:27-28 Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil
“Three Wonders”
In spring, even though I anticipate birds building and filling their nests with eggs, I still sense wonder and awe when I see the babies for the first time. I love to watch perfect, tiny beeks appear over the nest’s edge, followed by little heads as small wing flutterings mimic that of their parents. By
“Family Walk”
What did Jesus mean when He said “have life to the full?” “Life to the full” may bring many different thoughts to each us. And is a full life even possible, considering all the obstacles we experience? By Barbara Bonnell, based on John 10:10 and Discovering God Through the Arts by Terry Glaspey. Scripture: John 10:10 “…I (Jesus) have come
The Veil
For hundreds of years no one had access to the Glory of God except the High Priest of Israel who entered the Holy of Holies with trepidation once a year. A three-inch thick veil stood between him and the Holy of Holies. This symbolized the huge chasm between God and all of humankind, not just Israel.
Living in the Presence
We all tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves, thinking we’re never enough and that God expects us to be better, or wiser, more giving, or fruitful. But we can change how we think and be changed by how God teaches us to think. By Diane Tobolt, based on Romans 12:2 (NIV): Do
Sifting
A woman in India sifted rice. For her it was an ordinary day, but for me, it was a lesson about glorifying God. By Cheryl Barr, based on 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Media: Watercolor on Arches paper Reflection:
Peter’s Release
As a disciple, Peter faltered on occasion, but, as the leader of the early church, he glorified Jesus mightily and exemplified strength and courage. By Barbara Bonnell, based on the disciple Peter’s release from prison, as described in Acts 12:6,7: The night before Herod was to bring him (Peter) to trial, Peter was sleeping between
Art & Poetry
“Wander into the Wonder”
Art and Poetry by Kris Newlin. She wandered into the Wonder. She followed close to the man who makes miracles. She stepped out in faith because she knew He holds the world. She knew He heals the world. She looked for her Father’s face in everything. She believed in beauty; she saw it in everything
“Still”
Art by Rachel L. (Concordia High School); Poem “Remember My Words” by Liz Kimmel. Remember! When the going is rough and resistance is tough, Be Strong! Endure through your trials, and search for the smiles, Take Courage! When your heart is alarmed and you’re facing great harm, Don’t Fear! When you cannot find hope and
“Master Potter”
Art “Master Potter” by Shannon Wirrenga, Poem “Untitled” by Gail Lipe. a musty, earthy smell escapes its plastic prison as I open a newas I open a new block of claycalming me, connecting me to the earthtaking me home a slab is cutfingers curl the slab as hands beginto wedge the clay like playing in
Peace and a Promise
Art by Susanne Redfield, Poem “Principles of Peace” by Liz Kimmel. Peace is a product of God’s design. It didn’t just happen without the divine. It’s not an accident or a mistake – He gave it to us to heal every ache. Peace comes to our hearts by knowing God’s Son. It’s a wonderful gift
“Trees of the Field”
Art “Trees of the Field” by Sandy Tuzinski and Poem “Psalm 1” by Liz Kimmel. Who should we listen to? The godly and wise. How should we walk? With wide open eyes. What should delight us? The Word of the Lord. To think on it day and night brings great reward. This is the way that we prosper
“Watching God’s Active Presence”
Art by Barbara Nelson; Poem “Always There” by Kris Newlin. In all my wanderings, In all my doubts, In all the times I spent figuring it out. You met me with Love, You showed me Your Grace You filled me with wonder as I turned to Your face. In all the times I strayed from
Exhibit Artists: "The God Who Sees" 2022-2023
Never Alone
Artist: Madeleine L., Independent, Grade 11 Title: “Never Alone” Media: Mixed Scripture: Psalm 17:15 NIV “As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.” Faith Statement: God is our Heavenly Father and will walk with us into the bright seasons, and
Surface Tension
Artist: Hannah F., Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN, Grade 11. Title: “Surface Tension” Medium: Pencil. Scripture: Matthew 14:28 ESV “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did
My Strength is in You, Lord
Artist: Natalie Brick, Lake Ozark, MO Title: “My Strength is in You, Lord” Medium: Acrylic Scripture: Psalm 28:7 NIV “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Reflect and Pray: Hummingbirds are fascinating birds.
Stormy Journey
Artist: Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist Title: “Storm Journey” Medium: Watercolor and Digital Art Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” Reflect and Pray: When I think about
It’s My Favorite Scent, Lord
Artist: Leihana W., Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN, Grade 11. Title: “It’s My Favorite Scent, Lord” Media: Mixed. Scripture: Matthew 26:10 NIV “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me . . . truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has
Into the Unknown
Artist: Diane Tobolt, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist Title: “Into the Unknown” Medium: Digital Art Scripture: Jeremiah 29:13-14a CJB “‘When you seek me, you will find me, provided you seek for me wholeheartedly; and I will let you find me, says Adonai.” Reflect and Pray: Whenever I think about the ancient monks who followed God no
God Sees My Heart
Artist: Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist. Title: “God Sees My Heart” Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: Psalm 56:3-4 NIV “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Reflect and Pray: When I think
Hold Onto Him
Artist. Clara L., Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN, Grade 10 Title: “Hold Onto Him” Media: Mixed Scripture: Matthew 14:28-31 ESV “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Faith Statement: In Matthew 14:28-31, when Peter is walking towards Jesus, he is distracted by the
Garden of Love
Artist: Lorraine Schiller – Rutland, Massachusetts. Title: “Garden of Love” Medium: Acrylic Paint Scripture: Mark 12:30-31 NIV “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater
The Great Commission
Why are we called the Great Commission Artists?
Why Are We Called the “Great Commission” Artists?
What is the Great Commission? A lot of people think the Great Commission only applies to famous preachers or pastors, musical celebrities, or missionaries. But that’s not true. They can’t reach all of humanity by themselves. Is the Great Commission hard to do? Not really, because God’s power makes it happen. All you need is
Called to Create
To CREATE is to reach into deep places within ourselves and others. “I’ve learned that art can sometimes reach into places deep inside where my brain simple cannot go.” Terry Glaspey, Discovering God Through the Arts. Art is something you have to rest in before you can create it. Make friends with your new image
Called to Adore
To ADORE is to know that where we create is holy ground. “I take my shoes off when I’m writing. To me it’s a reminder that it’s holy ground.” Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle. Worship is the key to and foundation for creating anything that really matters to God and people. Why? I’ll answer with
Called to Listen
To LISTEN isn’t only about hearing. It’s about paying attention and responding. “If we let the Spirit of God bring us face to face with God, we too shall hear something akin to what Isaiah heard, the still small voice of God; and in perfect freedom will say ‘Here am I; send me.’” Oswald Chambers,
Called to Lean
To LEAN is to trust that God knows what He’s doing. “You do not know what you are going to do; the only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing.” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest. Eight artists sat around a table with me. Listening to one of my favorite
The First Big Question: Who Is Jesus Christ?
“Who is Jesus?” This is the most important question of human history. It was asked 2,000 years ago, and it’s still the most consequential question on planet earth. In Luke 10, we learn about two sisters who were close friends of Jesus. It’s a famous story that tells us a lot about the importance of
The Second Big Question: Where Did Jesus Come From?
Where did Jesus come from? Our faith hinges on the answer to this question. Jesus was from Nazareth, or so people thought, and in a way, yes, He was from Nazareth in Galilee. But Jesus’s critics wondered, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” That, apparently, was enough to discredit anyone at the time. But what
The Third Big Question: Why Should I Care?
Why should people care about Jesus’s life much less about His death? I love the song “Flawless” by MercyMe. One line in particular sparks my imagination to see Jesus as the “Hero” who enters the stage of humanity’s history while all of us sit on the edge of our collective seats wondering if it’s too
The Fourth Big Question: Who Are We?
“The bride belongs to the bridegroom…The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him.” John the Baptist as quoted in John 3:28 My first beloved hymn was “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Little did I know how relevant that concept is for all of life. Yes, we are Jesus’s friends. We
Exhibit Artists: "God Our Refuge" 2021-2022
Reaching Through
Artist: Emma, 12th Grade, Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN. Media: Mixed. Scripture: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4, NLT. Emma’s Faith Statement: The verse that inspired my artwork was Revelation 21:4.
Safe Refuge
Artist: Lucy, 10th Grade, Southwest Christian High School. Medium: Graphite Pencils. Scripture: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea . . . Psalm 46:1-2 NIV. Lucy’s Faith Statement: I am seeking
Still
Artist: Rachel, 12th Grade, Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN. Medium: Mixed Media. Scripture: He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10, NIV. Rachel’s Faith Statement: The meaning of my art is finding peace in Christ despite the craziness
Wings Like Eagles
Artist: Grace, 12th grade, Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN. Medium: Charcoal. Scripture: Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s
A Prayer in a Storm
Artist: Madeleine, 10th Grade, St. Paul Conservatory, St. Paul, MN. Media: Acrylic Paint, Ink, and Texture Paste. Scripture: As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed though the battle wages against me, even
My Mighty Rock, My Refuge
Artist: Luke, 11th Grade, Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN. Medium: Acrylic Paints. Scriptures: For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20 NIV. Scripture: Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my
Unexpected Treasure
Artist: Megan, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Scripture: He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV. Megan’s Faith Statement: In April of 2020, I accepted a job
Refuge
Artist: Hannah, 10th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Graphite Pencil Scripture: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1, NIV. Hannah’s Faith Statement: God is inspiring and strengthening me throughout the year. I feel like He has shown me that I need to look up towards Him
God As Refuge
Artist: Brandon, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Video. Scripture: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1, NIV. Scripture: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28,