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
Peter, Awestruck by God’s Glory
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
Be Exalted
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
Sabbath Rest
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:
Isaiah
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
Gray Hairs
Change is hard. But in the hands of God, every step in every season reveals God’s gentle care for every detail. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist Scripture: Based on Isaiah 46:4 (NIV). “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you
In the Sandals of Boaz
What do we learn about following Jesus from one of His most important ancestors, Boaz, the grandfather of King David? By Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Artist Scripture: Based on the Book of Ruth. Medium: Colored Pencil and Watercolor Pencil on Toned Paper. Reflection: I wanted to step into the sandals of Boaz, the Kinsman Redeemer
Joshua
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. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor on cotton paper. Scripture: Based on the book of Joshua, specifically Joshua 1:9 (AMP) “Have I not
Abundant Harvest
God’s glory resonates throughout His orderly creation and reflects His infinite intellect , logic, meticulous precision. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist Scripture: Genesis 1:11-12 (NKJV) Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. And the
Woman with Bouquet in the Setting Sun
When the sun is setting and shifting lights display breath-taking beauty upon earth and sky. God’s creation puts smiles on our faces and lift our spirits. By Barbara Bonnell. Media: Watercolor/Acrylic. Scripture: Genesis 1:3-5 (ASV) “And God said, ‘Let there be light’: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good:
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
Walking in Peace
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
How He Sees It
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
The Aroma of Christ
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
The Hands of Jesus
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
The Great Commission
Why are we called the Great Commission Artists?
Why Are We Called the “Great Commission” Artists?
What is the Great Commission? A lot of people think the Great Commission only applies to famous preachers or pastors, musical celebrities, or missionaries. But that’s not true. They can’t reach all of humanity by themselves. Is the Great Commission hard to do? Not really, because God’s power makes it happen. All you need is
Called to Create
To CREATE is to reach into deep places within ourselves and others. “I’ve learned that art can sometimes reach into places deep inside where my brain simple cannot go.” Terry Glaspey, Discovering God Through the Arts. Art is something you have to rest in before you can create it. Make friends with your new image
Called to Adore
To ADORE is to know that where we create is holy ground. “I take my shoes off when I’m writing. To me it’s a reminder that it’s holy ground.” Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle. Worship is the key to and foundation for creating anything that really matters to God and people. Why? I’ll answer with
Called to Listen
To LISTEN isn’t only about hearing. It’s about paying attention and responding. “If we let the Spirit of God bring us face to face with God, we too shall hear something akin to what Isaiah heard, the still small voice of God; and in perfect freedom will say ‘Here am I; send me.’” Oswald Chambers,
Called to Lean
To LEAN is to trust that God knows what He’s doing. “You do not know what you are going to do; the only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing.” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest. Eight artists sat around a table with me. Listening to one of my favorite
The First Big Question: Who Is Jesus Christ?
“Who is Jesus?” This is the most important question of human history. It was asked 2,000 years ago, and it’s still the most consequential question on planet earth. In Luke 10, we learn about two sisters who were close friends of Jesus. It’s a famous story that tells us a lot about the importance of
Exhibit Artists: "God Our Refuge" 2021-2022
Reaching Through
Artist: Emma, 12th Grade, Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN. Media: Mixed. Scripture: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4, NLT. Emma’s Faith Statement: The verse that inspired my artwork was Revelation 21:4.
Safe Refuge
Artist: Lucy, 10th Grade, Southwest Christian High School. Medium: Graphite Pencils. Scripture: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea . . . Psalm 46:1-2 NIV. Lucy’s Faith Statement: I am seeking
Still
Artist: Rachel, 12th Grade, Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN. Medium: Mixed Media. Scripture: He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10, NIV. Rachel’s Faith Statement: The meaning of my art is finding peace in Christ despite the craziness
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
A Prayer in a Storm
Artist: Madeleine, 10th Grade, St. Paul Conservatory, St. Paul, MN. Media: Acrylic Paint, Ink, and Texture Paste. Scripture: As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed though the battle wages against me, even
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
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
Refuge
Artist: Hannah, 10th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Graphite Pencil Scripture: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1, NIV. Hannah’s Faith Statement: God is inspiring and strengthening me throughout the year. I feel like He has shown me that I need to look up towards Him
God As Refuge
Artist: Brandon, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Video. Scripture: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1, NIV. Scripture: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28,