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.
We hope our offerings here will brighten your day!
Fresh Oil Artists
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
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
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
Peter, Awestruck by God’s Glory
Peter fell to his knees. He had fished all night to no avail. But in an instant with one command, Jesus changed everything. By Debbie Gustafson, based on Luke 5:8-9
Be Exalted
God’s glory comforts us and wraps us in His love. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, based on Psalm 108:5 (NLT), Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory
Sabbath Rest
The word “rest” resonates with us in all the seasons of our lives. Especially as we grow and mature, we understand how vital rest is to our spiritual well-being as
Isaiah
During a heavenly vision of the glory of God, Isaiah heard God’s call for a messenger and cried out, “Here am I, send me.” How does the glory of God
Gray Hairs
Change is hard. But in the hands of God, every step in every season reveals God’s gentle care for every detail. By Cheryl Barr, based on Isaiah 46:4 (NIV): Even to
In the Sandals of Boaz
What do we learn about following Jesus from one of His most important ancestors, Boaz, the grandfather of King David? By Debbie Gustafson, based on the Book of Ruth. Reflection:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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,
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
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
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