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
He Searches the Earth
Creating with God brings freedom and joy to your life! By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz Scripture: 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. Medium: Watercolor on Canvas One day, while listening
Draw Near to God
When we are weary, broken, at the end of ourselves, God sees us, and like the father of the prodigal son, He runs toward us with compassion. By John Bennett Scripture: Psalm 34:18 (NIV) The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. James 4:8 (ESV) Draw near to God, and
Guiding Light
No matter how alone we feel, we are not abandoned. God’s light steadily illumines our path–even if it’s only the next step. By Diane Tobolt Scripture: And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his
Young Man’s Musical Moments
Music is a precious gift from God to our souls, lifting us in times of trouble, giving us rest and peace. Media: Watercolor, Acrylic By Barbara Bonnell Scripture: “My heart is steadfast, O God, I will sing and make music with all my soul.” Psalm 108:1 (NIV) Music, a wonderful talent the Lord has given
Whisper His Name
Though powerful beyond words, God is near to each one of us individually, loving us with a gentleness and care that He wants us to realize. Whisper His Name is an invitation to encounter this love. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, reflecting on the 2026-2027 Great Commission Artists theme, The God Who Whispers Scripture references: And so
If We Could See Behind Their Wings
How does God whisper His truths to angels? As I ponder this mystery, I think about how they view and perceive the wondrous gift of salvation available to us. By Debbie Gustafson, reflecting on the 2025-2026 Great Commission Artists theme, The God Who Whispers Scripture: Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who
Transformative Rest
There is a transformative rest that takes place in us as we embrace God’s rest. Beloved, let us pause and take a moment to remember and meditate on the things of God, because this place is the beautiful rest that transforms us, just as the caterpillar, in the stillness of a chrysalis, is transformed. By Megan
Quiet Moments
To be established in the Lord’s love is a wonderful reality the Lord freely gives to all believers! As He surrounds us with His everlasting love and His power, we are fully covered, nourished, and strengthened by Him. By Barbara Bonnell Scripture: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with
Answered Prayer Request
God answers prayer, but He doesn’t always do it the way we expect. Sometimes someone or something may seem insignificant and not worth our time, but we need to follow the Spirit’s leading. Maybe what seems insignificant is the door to answered prayer. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist. Based on Ephesians 6:18 and Voices
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?
The Second Big Question: Where Did Jesus Come From?
Where did Jesus come from? Our faith hinges on the answer to this question. Jesus was from Nazareth, or so people thought, and in a way, yes, He was from Nazareth in Galilee. But Jesus’s critics wondered, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” That, apparently, was enough to discredit anyone at the time. But what
The Third Big Question: Why Should I Care?
Why should people care about Jesus’s life much less about His death? I love the song “Flawless” by MercyMe. One line in particular sparks my imagination to see Jesus as the “Hero” who enters the stage of humanity’s history while all of us sit on the edge of our collective seats wondering if it’s too
The Fourth Big Question: Who Are We?
“The bride belongs to the bridegroom…The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him.” John the Baptist as quoted in John 3:28 My first beloved hymn was “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Little did I know how relevant that concept is for all of life. Yes, we are Jesus’s friends. We
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,