GCA Art Blog Ministry

Welcome to our GCA Art Blog. Our artists inspire us! We have three categories:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

In the Sandals of Boaz

December 7, 2023

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:

Read More »

Joshua

August 10, 2023

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.

Read More »

Abundant Harvest

August 9, 2023

God’s glory resonates throughout His orderly creation and reflects His infinite intellect , logic, meticulous precision. By Barbara Bonnell, based on Genesis 1:11-12 (NKJV): Then God said, “Let the earth bring

Read More »

Woman with Bouquet in the Setting Sun

June 19, 2023

Title: “Woman with Bouquet in the Setting Sun.” Artist: Barbara Bonnell. Media: Watercolor/Acrylic. Scripture: Genesis 1:3-5 ASV “And God said, ‘Let there be light’: and there was light. And God

Read More »

You Are God’s Light

June 19, 2023

Title: “You Are God’s Light.” Artist: Charlotte Laxen Helfritz. Medium: Watercolor. Source of Inspiration: Heaven and Nature Sing by Sharon Brodin. Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16 NIV “You are the light of

Read More »

Tenacity on the North Shore

June 19, 2023

Title: “Tenacity on the North Shore.” Artist: Cheryl Barr. Medium: Watercolor on Cotton. Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3 NIV “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly

Read More »

Heaven and Nature Sing

June 19, 2023

Title: “Heaven and Nature Sing.” Artist: John Bennett. Medium: Acrylic and Markers. Scripture: Psalm 96:11-13 NIV “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and

Read More »

The Word Became Flesh

December 18, 2022

Title; The Word Became Flesh. Artist: John Bennett. Medium: Acrylic on canvas. Scripture: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Read More »

The Invitation

December 18, 2022

Title:  The Invitation. Artist: Debbie Gustafson. Medium: Watercolor. Inspired by: The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson. Scripture: Restore us, O Lord God of hosts, let your face shine, that we may

Read More »

Exhibit Artists: "The God Who Sees" 2022-2023

Simple Pleasures

July 25, 2023

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

Read More »

Restored

July 25, 2023

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.

Read More »

Transformed

July 25, 2023

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

Read More »

Over the Motion

July 25, 2023

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

Read More »

The Inevitable Repent

July 25, 2023

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

Read More »

Be Still

July 25, 2023

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

Read More »

Golden Daybreak

July 21, 2023

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

Read More »

Eucharisteo

July 21, 2023

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

Read More »

Trumpeting Praise

July 21, 2023

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

Read More »

The Great Commission

Why are we called the Great Commission Artists?

Exhibit Artists: "God Our Refuge" 2021-2022

Under the Shadow of His Wings

August 27, 2021

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

Read More »

He Cares for the Sparrows

August 19, 2021

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

Read More »

Seasons–Winter

August 17, 2021

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

Read More »

Seasons–Fall

August 17, 2021

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

Read More »

Seasons–Summer

August 17, 2021

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

Read More »

Seasons–Spring

August 17, 2021

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

Read More »

My Mighty Rock, My Refuge

August 17, 2021

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,

Read More »

A Three-Strand Refuge

August 13, 2021

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

Read More »
Facebook Youtube Instagram
Learn More About Us

© Great Commission Artists 2022

Scroll to Top

Communications Advisor

Debbie Gustafson

Debbie Gustafson has been an active member and participating artist since the first Psalms Exhibit in 2012. Consistently, she has supported our events and exhibits with wisdom and excellence. Her wisdom and faithfulness to our vision prompted us to seek her support as a board member, and she graciously accepted although she also serves her church and community in a number of other roles, including arts and education. In addition, she is an original member of our blogging ministry that now comprises our “Fresh Oil” artists group.

Programs Advisor

Roberta Sawyer

Roberta (“Bobbie”) Sawyer describes herself as “a lifetime dabbler with a love of experimentation with learners young and old.” Currently an elder at Prairie Community Church in Eden Prairie, Bobbie has participated in numerous types of ministry. She has taught art seminars for children including her “Art in the Park” outdoor summer series, served as a scenarist for church skits, plays and musicals, led Bible study fellowships for 12 years, and created backdrops and props for Vacation Bible Schools. She has also served as a literacy tutor and office support staff for South Hennepin Adult Programs in Education. Also an original Great Commission Arts core group member, Bobbie co-coordinates the monthly Art Klatch painters fellowship group. As a board advisor, she contributes much prayer, a tenacious faith, and a love for people and artists of all definitions.
Outreach Advisor

Geraldine Antoinette Mehta

Geri Mehta has served in numerous ministry positions, which include teaching Sunday school at Way of the Cross church in Blaine, directing girls programs at Hospitality House in north Minneapolis, serving on the mission field in Guatemala and India, and co-leading a home church. She has also been active in community organizations such as Jaycees and Toastmasters.
Geri brings a clear sense of vision and discernment to the board, especially in the area of outreach. She has a passion for promoting the gospel with compassion, love, and respect. As a painter and original Great Commission Artists core group member, Geri has served GCA faithfully in numerous capacities. Her wisdom, like her art, inspires us to seek God’s heart in all things.
Pastoral Board Advisor

Reverend Roger Kuhn

Roger Kuhn has extensive ministry experience, including numerous pastoral positions in New York, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Ohio, and Minnesota. Most of his career he has served as lead pastor and has particularly enjoyed discipling new believers. Currently, Roger serves as the National Pastor of Member Care and the Director of Church Relations at International Ministerial Fellowship, the licensing organization for W.I.N.D. of the Spirit Ministries. Additionally, his pastoral responsibilities include all IMF Alliance Churches and 200 Lead Pastors. With deep faith and a thorough understanding of ministry, Roger provides pastoral supervision, support, and prayer for W.I.N.D. Ministries, including Great Commission Artists.
Founder & Director

Marianne McDonough

Licensed for ministry in the creative arts through International Ministerial Fellowship, Marianne McDonough serves as the director of W.I.N.D. of the Spirit Ministries and Great Commission Artists. Believing the arts have a unique capacity to exalt God and inspire His people, Marianne loves to encourage and mentor Christian artists toward the full expression of their gifts, especially in the context of worship. Marianne’s experience includes writing in secular and Christian venues, leadership in worship and dance ministries, teaching worship arts seminars for children, and sponsoring visual arts workshops and exhibits.

In 2010, she initiated “Art in the Beauty of Holiness” seminars, specifically designed for visual artists and subsequently produced in DVD format. After the formation of GCA and its core group in 2011, she produced four more DVDs featuring artists’ interviews and three other seminars: Worship in the Potter’s Hands, Waterfalls with Rev. Paul Oman, and Banners with Elsa Hammond. She also created a cable television presentation on art and worship. 

Starting in September of 2012, Marianne inaugurated the first Great Commission Artists Exhibition, “Psalms Exhibit and Creative Arts Celebration,” at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. This event included a juried exhibit, continuous original worship music provided by local composers, and dance presentations. Since then, as of spring of 2023, GCA has presented ten exhibitions with multi-generational artist participation, including numerous high school students from local high schools. The last five exhibitions have traveled for month-long display at Twin Cities’ churches.

Additionally, Marianne believes the Great Commission applies to all of the body of Christ, including artists of all definitions. Thus, she has guided Great Commission Artists to create a variety of teaching conferences and art-based community service projects including Kids Love, a popular Valentines day outreach to homeless children. Great Commission Artists is fulfilling its namesake mission to minister Christ to their world and glorify God.

With a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota, Marianne is an author and speaker. She also leads a Christian writers’ critique group. Her 2016 book, 8 Steps to Getting Real with Cancer, won the Midwest Book Awards in the health category. In 2018 she released Beating Cancer One Truth At A Time, another guide for newly diagnosed patients designed for individual or support group reflection.

Marianne enjoys writing in various genres and desires for writers to explore new ways to release their talents to exalt Christ. Her passion is to see God’s beauty revealed in all of the creative arts.