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
You Are God’s Light
Just as the sun energizes the earth, so does the Holy Spirit empower us to shine the Light of Jesus into our own world. By 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
Tenacity on the North Shore
Trees teach us how to be tenacious wherever we are planted, growing our roots deep and thriving even in the toughest of terrains. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist 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
Heaven and Nature Sing
Since God is the Creator of all things, He has given everything a voice to return praise to Him. Scientists say that even the stars are singing! Artist: John Bennett, Fresh Oil Artists 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
The Word Became Flesh
Did Jesus embrace His purpose even in His most innocent beginning? Artist: John Bennett, Fresh Oil Artist Medium: Acrylic on canvas. Scripture: John 1:1-5 (NIV) “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,
The Invitation
The Advent wreath is more than a mere decoration. It’s an invitation from God to receive His son, full restoration, reconciliation, hope, peace, joy and love. By Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Artist Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: Psalm 80:19 (ESV). “Restore us, O Lord God of hosts, let your face shine, that we may be saved. See also
Joyful Bell Ringer
The birth of Christ is like none other in history, for God, Himself, gave His only Son. How can we remember this extraordinary and holy event without over-cluttering our minds and schedules? Artist: Barbara Bonnell. Media: Watercolor/Acrylic. Scripture: Luke 2:11 (ESV) ”For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
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
Life seems myopic with all its work, chores, and duties. Even Christmas, whether we want it to or not, often ends up that way. It’s frustrating to feel that Christmas is another chore on the to-do list. But it really doesn’t take long to stop a few minutes to stop, listen, notice, and enjoy this
Silent As Light
Sometimes we need to turn away from our knowns and gaze into the unknown. Sometimes we find unexpected wonders there. When we let God break through, take us up out of our daily life and routines, those things we keep our eyes on every day, and expand our vision. He may have bigger ideas and
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
Simple Pleasures
Children model the beauty of enjoying simple things. If we will live as they do, we will find delight in our everyday blessings. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist. Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: Psalm 37:4 (NLT) “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Scripture: Matthew 18:3 (NLT) . .
Restored
In Zechariah, God replaces Joshura’s filthy clothes with fine garments. So it is with us when we accept Christ into our own lives. Image by Jenifer Letty Hanson. Media: Mixed. Reflection: The story of Joshua in Zechariah inspired and encapsulates the message of this art. Zechariah 3 (NIV) Then he showed me Joshua the high
Transformed
Despite the godless actions and distractions of our shattered and unstable world, the Word of God is our firm foundation. By Amara M., Concordia Academy, Concordia Academy, Grade 12. Media: Mixed. Scripture: Romans 12:2 (NIV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you
Over the Motion
Just as God sees us in full, dimmed, or seeming darkness, Christ is always present with us filling our lives and our world with miracles. By Isabelle M., Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN, Grade 11. Medium: Photography. Scripture: John 1:5 (NIV) “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
The Inevitable Repent
A lot of people don’t see God unless they don’t have anything else to see, but true faith is believing without seeing, and when we have nothing else to see, it’s easier to see God. By Delaney F., Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN, Grade 10. Medium: Acrylic Paint. Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) “So do not fear,
Be Still
When we take time to view and enjoy nature, all the distractions of this world fade and we can focus on God. By Luke S., Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN, Grade 12. Medium: Acrylic Paint. Scripture: Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “Be still, and know that I am God.” Reflection: I titled this piece Be Still, being inspired
Golden Daybreak
Standing in awe and silence before the rising sun, we connect with God. By Ethan S., Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN, Grade 10. Medium: Photography. Scripture: Matthew 6:6 (NIV) “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done
Eucharisteo
Time seems to flow through our hands like sand, grain by grain. But gratitude can make those moments timeless in our hearts. By Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist. Medium: Colored Pencil and Watercolor. Scripture: Luke 22:19 (NIV) “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them.” Reflection: I often
Trumpeting Praise
God’s vast and beautiful design reflects His infinite imagination. By Rose Day 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 his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with
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,