GCA Art Blog Ministry

Welcome to our GCA Art Blog. Our artists inspire us! We have four 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.
  4. 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

Family Walk

June 25, 2024

What did Jesus mean when He said “have life to the full?”  “Life to the full” may bring  many different thoughts to each us.  And is a full life even possible, considering all the obstacles we experience? By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist. Art Medium: Watercolor and Acrylic. Scripture:  John 10:10  (NIV) “…I (Jesus) have come that they have life,

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The Veil

May 4, 2024

For hundreds of years no one had access to the Glory of God except the High Priest of Israel who entered the Holy of Holies with trepidation once a year. A three-inch thick veil stood between him and the Holy of Holies. This symbolized the huge chasm between God and all of humankind, not just Israel.

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Living in the Presence

February 26, 2024

We humans 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 we can change how we think and be changed by how God teaches us to think. By Diane Tobolt, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Digital. Scripture:

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Sifting

February 26, 2024

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, Fresh Oil Artist. Media: Watercolor on Arches paper. Scripture: Based on 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for

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Peter’s Release

February 26, 2024

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, Fresh Oil Artist Media: Mixed Scripture: Based on the disciple Peter’s release from prison, as described in Acts 12:6,7 (NIV) “The night before Herod was to bring him

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Peter, Awestruck by God’s Glory

February 26, 2024

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, Freah Oil Artist. Medium:  Watercolor. Scripture: 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

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Be Exalted

February 26, 2024

God’s glory comforts us and wraps us in His love. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, Fresh Oil Artist. Scripture: 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

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Sabbath Rest

February 26, 2024

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, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Digital. Bible Story Focus: Creation. Reflection:

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Isaiah

December 7, 2023

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, Fresh Oil Artist. Scripture: Based on Isaiah 6:8 (NIV) Then I heard the voice of the

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Art & Poetry

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

Walking in Peace

July 21, 2023

When life seems dry and weary, we find peace knowing that the God Who sees us is directing our path. By Wayne Moran, travel photographer, waynemoreanphotography.com. 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

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How He Sees It

June 29, 2023

No matter how lonely we feel, God sees us and has numbered the hairs on our head. Megan V.B., Southwest. Christian High School, Grade 12, 2022. 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

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The Aroma of Christ

June 29, 2023

Let us continuously pray for the many harvesters who dedicate their lives to the lost and perishing souls of this earth. By Natalie Brick, Independent Artist and Missionary with Surf the Nations based in Hawaii. Medium: Acrylic. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:15 (Nov) “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who

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The Hands of Jesus

June 29, 2023

When Abby L. was recovering from a reoccuring brain tumor surgery, she felt that God was hugging her to restored health. By 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

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The Great Commission

Why are we called the Great Commission Artists?

Exhibit Artists: "God Our Refuge" 2021-2022

Unexpected Treasure

August 13, 2021

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

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Wings Like Eagles

April 16, 2021

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

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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 founded Great Commission Artists and serves as its director in addition to directing   W.I.N.D. of the Spirit Ministries, the 501 (c) (3) umbrella ministry. 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 eleven exhibitions with multi-generational artist participation, including numerous high school students from local high schools. The last six 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 has served as a board director for the Minnesota Christian Writers Guild and 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.