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
You Are God’s Light
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 the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they
Tenacity on the North Shore
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 life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” Source of Inspiration: Heaven and Nature Sing by Sharon Brodin.
Heaven and Nature Sing
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 all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all
The Word Became Flesh
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. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him
The Invitation
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 be saved. Psalm 80:19. ESV (See also Isaiah 9:2, 6-7.) (Pg. 63 of the book referenced below.) Reflect: “The Invitation” is a painting emphasizing the restoration that the
Joyful Bell Ringer
Title: Joyful Bell Ringer. Artist: Barbara Bonnell. Media: Watercolor/Acrylic. Scripture: ”For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 ESV. Inspired by: The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson. Reflection: Christmas is a beautiful time of year; carolers sing out, and joy is
Uncluttered
Artist: Cheryl Barr. Title: Uncluttered. Media: Watercolor on cotton paper. Scripture: Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16 NIV Inspired by: The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson. Reflection: Our living room bugged
Christmas Feasts
Title: Christmas Feasts. Scripture: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” ~ Jesus of Nazareth John 10:10 NKJV. Artist’s Name: Diane Tobolt. Medium: Digital Art. Source of Inspiration: The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A.
Silent As Light
Artist: Diane Tobolt. Medium: Digital Art. Scripture: Praise the Lord, O my soul. Lord my God, you are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty. The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of His upper chambers on their
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
Walking in Peace
Artist: Wayne Moran, travel photographer, waynemoreanphotography.com Title: “Walking in Peace” Medium: Photography Scripture: Genesis 16:7-10,13 NIV The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are
How He Sees It
Artist: Megan V.B. Title: “How He Sees It” Southwest Christian High School, Grade 12. Medium: Ink. Scripture: Joshua 1:9 NIV “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Faith Statement: There are plenty of
The Aroma of Christ
Artist: Natalie Brick. Missionary, Surf the Nations based in Hawaii. Medium: Acrylic. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:15 “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” Prayer for the Harvesters: Lord, please watch over those of us who are dedicating our lives to seeking
The Hands of Jesus
Artist: Abby L. Southwest Christian High School, Grade 12. Medium: Pencil. Scripture: Psalm 62:8 NIV Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts for God is our refuge. When I thought about Psalm 62:8 and drew this art, I pictured how God would come to me to give me a big
The Great Commission
Why are we called the Great Commission Artists?
Exhibit Artists: "God Our Refuge" 2021-2022
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
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