GCA Art Blog Ministry
Welcome to our GCA Art Blog. Our artists inspire us! We have four 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
Behold Him
In my painting I imagined a time in the future where we will behold Jesus in all his glory. Many will bring crowns earned for good deeds during their lives and humbly lay them at His feet. As we behold Him as victorious King and Lord, His Spirit transforms us into His image in ever-increasing glory.
Untroubled
I tend to be a worrier – thinking about what needs to be done, how to do it, and what if I do it wrong. Like Martha, Jesus’s friend in Luke 10, I am troubled about many things. But Jesus points to a better way. By Diane Tobolt, based on John 14:27 and Psalm 16:11.
Discovering God in the Unknown
As God teaches me to grow deeper in my understanding of Him, my art reflects His heart for me. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, based on 1 Corinthians 2:8-10 and Discovering God Through the Arts by Terry Glaspey. Medium: Watercolor Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:8-10 (NIV) None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they
Shepherds Leave Fields To Find Jesus
When Christ was born, the shepherds in the field most likely thought it would be a normal night while doing work as usual. But it wasn’t to be a normal night for them, and their lives would change forever. By Barbara Bonnell Media: Watercolor Scripture: Luke 2:8-11 “And there were shepherds living out in the
The Sky Gazers
For thousands of years, the northern lights have fascinated people everywhere and inspired them to behold God the Creator. By Debbie Gustafson Media: Watercolor and Acrylic Paint Scripture: Psalm 19:1 (NIV) “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” It was the last evening of the cruise, and
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, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: Galatians
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, Fresh Oil Artist Medium: Watercolor on Paper.
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, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Digital. Scripture: Luke 12:27-28 (NKJV) “Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even
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
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 Watching God’s Active Presence 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
Exhibit Artists: "The God Who Sees" 2022-2023
Simple Pleasures
Children model the beauty of enjoying simple things. If we will live as they do, we will find delight in our everyday blessings. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist. Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: Psalm 37:4 (NLT) “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Scripture: Matthew 18:3 (NLT) . .
Restored
In Zechariah, God replaces Joshura’s filthy clothes with fine garments. So it is with us when we accept Christ into our own lives. Image by Jenifer Letty Hanson. Media: Mixed. Reflection: The story of Joshua in Zechariah inspired and encapsulates the message of this art. Zechariah 3 (NIV) Then he showed me Joshua the high
Transformed
Despite the godless actions and distractions of our shattered and unstable world, the Word of God is our firm foundation. By Amara M., Concordia Academy, Concordia Academy, Grade 12. 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
Over the Motion
Just as God sees us in full, dimmed, or seeming darkness, Christ is always present with us filling our lives and our world with miracles. By Isabelle M., Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN, Grade 11. Medium: Photography. Scripture: John 1:5 (NIV) “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
The Inevitable Repent
A lot of people don’t see God unless they don’t have anything else to see, but true faith is believing without seeing, and when we have nothing else to see, it’s easier to see God. By Delaney F., Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN, Grade 10. Medium: Acrylic Paint. Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) “So do not fear,
Be Still
When we take time to view and enjoy nature, all the distractions of this world fade and we can focus on God. By Luke S., Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN, Grade 12. Medium: Acrylic Paint. Scripture: Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “Be still, and know that I am God.” Reflection: I titled this piece Be Still, being inspired
Golden Daybreak
Standing in awe and silence before the rising sun, we connect with God. By Ethan S., Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN, Grade 10. 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
Eucharisteo
Time seems to flow through our hands like sand, grain by grain. But gratitude can make those moments timeless in our hearts. By Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist. Medium: Colored Pencil and Watercolor. Scripture: Luke 22:19 (NIV) “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them.” Reflection: I often
Trumpeting Praise
God’s vast and beautiful design reflects His infinite imagination. By Rose Day 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 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