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
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
No matter how the future appears, when the landscape of life looks bleak, we can rest in the confidence that our Father knows best. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor on 100% cotton paper. Scripture: Luke 22:42 (NLT) “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet
Struggle of the Will
We are all human with weaknesses and faults, and the pull of selfish desires can beckon us away from God. The other side of the coin, though, turning to and walking in the the Will of God, will bring greater inner hope, love, forgiveness and peace to our soul. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist.
Two-sided Prayer
What do you do when God’s will and your will are as far apart as the two sides of a coin that will never see each other? By Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor; Micron Pen. Scripture: Luke 22:42 (ISV) “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but
The Calm in the Storm
When I was discipled as a young Christian, my mentor taught me to say “Thank you, Father” in everything, so it was always the first thing out of my mouth when anything happened–good or bad. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor on Canvas. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (BRG) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in
Simple Pleasures
In her book, One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp intimately and captivatingly describes her journey from despair to hope. As she began to look for and write down simple blessings and gratitudes, she found delight in her everyday life as a homeschool mom and farmer’s wife. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor on Arches 100%
Eucharisteo, Hand Stories
Time seems to flow through my hands like sand, grain by grain, moment by moment. Time is a gift, and I can choose how to receive and utilize it. When I redeem and invest in my time, I am filling it with thanksgiving and gratitude for what he has done and what he is doing
Heart’s Melody
One joyous gift the Lord has given us, whether we have the talent ourselves or appreciate it, is music. When we sing vocally or silently, we can praise Him from our heart, just as Psalm 104:33 says, as long as we live. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Mixed Media. Scripture: Psalm 104:33 (KJ21)
Blessings
Why is it so easy to remember the bad things, the problems, the worries? Slowly, I have begun to see the wisdom of looking for the good, the things that bring peace, the rays of light to focus on, the things that lead me back to God. By Diane Tobolt, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Digital
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
Never Alone
God not only sees us, but He also walks with us, comforts us, and sticks next to us in all things. God’s presence is enough to satisfy us, because He does not leave us alone. By Madeleine L., Independent Student Artist, Grade 11. Media: Mixed. Scripture: Psalm 17:15 (NIV), “As for me, I will be
Surface Tension
Just as Jesus pulled Peter out of stormy waters, so does God pull us out when we feel like we’re drowning in our struggles. By Hannah F., Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN, Grade 11. Medium: Pencil. Scripture: Matthew 14:28 (ESV) But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried
My Strength is in You, Lord
just as hummingbirds draw strength from sweet nectar, so do we seek God everyday and desire the nourishment of His Word and presence. By Natalie Brick, Lake Ozark, MO Medium: Acrylic. Scripture: Psalm 28:7 (NIV) “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps
Stormy Journey
Considering the unpredictability found in our daily lives, we need to see life’s storms through God’s eyes. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist. Medium: Watercolor and Digital Art. Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV) “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care
It’s My Favorite Scent, Lord
God has always be the “God Who Sees,” as exemplified by the story of the woman with the alabaster jar.When Jesus saw her heart and accepted her gift, her story took its place forever in the gospels. By Leihana W., Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN, Grade 11. Media: Mixed. Scripture: Matthew 26:10 (NIV) “Why
Into the Unknown
Just as the ancient monks followed God no matter the cost, venturing out into the desert or across the sea, deep within all of us, a longing stirs in our souls to do the same. By Diane Tobolt, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist. Medium: Digital Art. Scripture: Jeremiah 29:13-14a (CJB) “When you seek me, you will
God Sees My Heart
Because of Jesus, we never need to be afraid, for we know that God sees our hearts, and we belong to Him. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, Fresh Oil Blogging Artist. Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV) “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust
Hold Onto Him
Nothing, no matter the social media or peer pressure, is more important than loving God and holding fast to him. By Clara L., Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN, Grade 10. Media: Mixed. Scripture: Matthew 14:28-31 (ESV) But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Garden of Love
If we sow the seeds of God’s love around us, we will see a garden of beauty bloom in this world. By Lorraine Schiller – Rutland, Massachusetts. Medium: Acrylic Paint. Scripture: Mark 12:30-31 (NIV) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and 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
Under the Shadow of His Wings
Artist: Elianna, 8th Grade, Hand in Hand Christian Montessori, Roseville, MN. Medium: Graphite Pencil. Scripture: How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7, NIV. Scripture: I long to dwell in our tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Psalm 61:4,
“Jehovah Shammah” The Lord is There
Artist: Leihanah, 10th Grade, Southwest Christian High School. Medium: Mixed. Scripture: And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE. Ezekiel 48:35 NIV. Leihanah’s Faith Statement: The mass of colors, shapes, and “abstractness” that make up the majority of this piece are meant to represent the chaos and
He Cares for the Sparrows
Artist: Abby, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School. Medium: Pencil and Colored Pencil. Scripture: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more
Seasons–Winter
Artist: Leeza, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Photography. Scripture: As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, days and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22 NIV. Leeza’s Faith Statement: Genesis 8:22 inspired my photos, because it is about Noah’s burnt offering to God after
Seasons–Fall
Artist: Leeza, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Photography. Scripture: As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22 NIV. Leeza’s Faith Statement: Genesis 8:22 inspired my photos, because it is about Noah’s burnt offering to God after
Seasons–Summer
Artist: Leeza, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Photography. Scripture: As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22 NIV. Leeza’s Faith Statement: Genesis 8:22 inspired my photos, because it is about Noah’s burnt offering to God after
Seasons–Spring
Artist: Leeza, 11th Grade, Southwest Christian High School, Chaska, MN. Medium: Photography. Scripture: As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22 NIV. Leeza’s Faith Statement: Genesis 8:22 inspired my photos, because it is about Noah’s burnt offering to God after
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
A Three-Strand Refuge
Artist: Julia, 8th Grade, Hand in Hand Christian Montessori, Roseville, MN. Medium: Graphite and Colored Pencils. Scripture: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them