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
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
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 (NLT); When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful
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 shine over all the earth. Medium: Watercolor on Canvas Panel Reflection: God’s glory is beyond imagining. When I see moments of it in a sunrise
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 well as our physical health. But what does rest mean to God? By Diane Tobolt, Bible story focus: Creation Medium: Digital Reflection: In Genesis 2,
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 affect us in our own lives? By Barbara Bonnell, based on Isaiah 6:8 (NIV): Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Who should
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 your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you;
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: I wanted to step into the sandals of Boaz, the Kinsman Redeemer from the book of Ruth. He focused on living for God, caring about
Joshua
Just as Joshua trusted God to lead him through unknown terrain in the promised land, God keeps His promised towards us and leads us through every path of our lives. By Cheryl Barr, based on the book of Joshua, specifically Joshua 1:9 (AMP): Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be
Art & Poetry
“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
Simple Pleasures
Artist: Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist Title: Simple Pleasures Medium: Watercolor Scripture: Psalm 37:4 NLT “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Matthew 18:3 “. . . unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” Reflect
Restored
Artist: Jenifer Letty Hanson, GCA Artist Title: “Restored” Media: Mixed Scripture: Zechariah 3 Reflect and Pray: The story of Joshua in Zechariah inspired and encapsulates the message of this art. Zechariah 3 NIV “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side
Transformed
Artist: Amara M., Concordia Academy, Concordia Academy, Grade 12. Title: “Transformed” Media: Mixed Scripture: Romans 12:2 NIV “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and just.” Faith Statement:
Over the Motion
Artist: Isabelle M., Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN, Grade 11 Title: “Over the Motion” Medium: Photography Scripture: John 1:5 NIV “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Faith Statement: This piece represents how every inch of our world has light even when it seems there is no light
The Inevitable Repent
Artist: Delaney F., Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN, Grade 10. Title: “The Inevitable Repent” Medium: Acrylic Paint Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 NIV “So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” Faith Statement: The major theme of my artwork is repenting. The hands held up in surrender before
Be Still
Artist: Luke S., Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN, Grade 12. Title: “Be Still” Medium: Acrylic Paint Scripture: Psalm 46:10 NIV “Be still, and know that I am God.” Faith Statement: I titled this piece “Be Still,” being inspired by Psalm 46:10 as well as Psalm 4:1, which states, “Give me relief from my distress,” and Psalm
Golden Daybreak
Artist: Ethan S., Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN, Grade 10. Title: “Golden Daybreak” Medium: Photography Scripture: Matthew 6:6 NIV “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Faith Statement: I chose Mathew
Eucharisteo
Artist: Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist Title: “Eucharisteo” Medium: Colored Pencil and Watercolor Scripture: Luke 22:19 (NIV) “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them.” Reflect and Pray: I often think about how time is flowing through my hands like sand, grain by grain, moment by moment. Time
Trumpeting Praise
Artist: Rose Day, GCA Artist Title: “Trumpeting Praise” Medium: Photography Scripture: Psalm 150:1-5 NIV “Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
The Great Commission
Why are we called the Great Commission Artists?
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
Under the Shadow of His Wings
Artist: Elianna, 8th Grade, Hand in Hand Christian Montessori, Roseville, MN. Medium: Graphite Pencil. Scripture: How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7, NIV. Scripture: I long to dwell in our tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Psalm 61:4,
“Jehovah Shammah” The Lord is There
Artist: Leihanah, 10th Grade, Southwest Christian High School. Medium: Mixed. Scripture: And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE. Ezekiel 48:35 NIV. Leihanah’s Faith Statement: The mass of colors, shapes, and “abstractness” that make up the majority of this piece are meant to represent the chaos and
He Cares for the Sparrows
Artist: Abby, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School. Medium: Pencil and Colored Pencil. Scripture: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more
Seasons–Winter
Artist: Leeza, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Photography. Scripture: As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, days and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22 NIV. Leeza’s Faith Statement: Genesis 8:22 inspired my photos, because it is about Noah’s burnt offering to God after
Seasons–Fall
Artist: Leeza, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Photography. Scripture: As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22 NIV. Leeza’s Faith Statement: Genesis 8:22 inspired my photos, because it is about Noah’s burnt offering to God after
Seasons–Summer
Artist: Leeza, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Photography. Scripture: As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22 NIV. Leeza’s Faith Statement: Genesis 8:22 inspired my photos, because it is about Noah’s burnt offering to God after
Seasons–Spring
Artist: Leeza, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Photography. Scripture: As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22 NIV. Leeza’s Faith Statement: Genesis 8:22 inspired my photos, because it is about Noah’s burnt offering to God after
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
A Three-Strand Refuge
Artist: Julia, 8th Grade, Hand in Hand Christian Montessori, Roseville, MN. Medium: Graphite and Colored Pencils. Scripture: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them