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
Into the Unknown
Artist: Diane Tobolt. Medium: Digital Art. Source of Inspiration: When We Pray Like Jesus by Elisa Morgan Scripture: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and
The Father’s Will
Artist: Cheryl Barr. Medium: Watercolor on 100% cotton paper. Scripture: Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done. not mine. Luke 22:42 NLT. Source of Inspiration: When We Pray Like Jesus by Elisa Morgan. Reflect: Luke 22:42 shows us that we
Struggle of the Will
Artist: Barbara Bonnell. Media: Mixed. Scripture: But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. Galatians 5:22. Source of Inspiration: When We Pray Like Jesus by Elisa Morgan. Reflect: Elisa Morgan’s book, When we Pray Like Jesus, focuses on His time in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prays “Father, if
Two-sided Prayer
Artist: Debbie Gustafson. Medium: Watercolor; Micron Pen. Scripture: Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22:42. Source of Inspiration: When We Pray Like Jesus by Elisa Morgan. Reflect: What do you do when God’s will and your will are as far apart as the
The Calm in the Storm
Artist: Charlotte Laxen Helfritz. Medium: Watercolor on Canvas Scripture: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Source of Inspiration: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Reflect: Having recently read the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp, where we share
Simple Pleasures
Artist: Cheryl Barr. Medium: Watercolor on Arches 100% cotton paper. Scripture: Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like
Eucharisteo, Hand Stories
Artist: Debbie Gustafson. Medium: Colored Pencil and Watercolor. Scripture: Luke 22:19 (NIV) “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them.” Source of Inspiration: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Reflection : Early in the book, One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp wonders how Jesus, the God man who came to
Heart’s Melody
Artist: Barbara Bonnell. Medium: Mixed Media. Scripture: “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” Psalm 104:33. Source of Inspiration: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Reflection: In One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp writes about the abundant daily gifts in
Blessings
Artist: Diane Tobolt. Medium: Digital Art. Scripture: Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of
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
The Great Commission
Why are we called the Great Commission Artists?