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
Focus on Leaves
When we stand in awe before God, He transforms our lives. But how do we step into the realm of awe? The Artist behind creation deserves all glory and honor and power. He is worthy! By Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Artist. Based on Revelation 4:11 and The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy
World Without End
Beethoven was deaf when he composed his last symphony. Fannie Crosby was blind when she wrote “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” and so many other hymns. The Apostle Paul, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Martin Luther King, Jr. were all imprisoned, yet their examples as well as their words reach down the years and touch lives
The Little Children Behold God
In the last few months, I have sensed God calling me to a spirit and attitude of humility. As I continued to prepare for this painting, I began to think of how genuine and humble little children can be as they seek God. By Debbie Gustafson based on Matthew 19:14 and Psalm 63:2. Media: Watercolor,
Woman Carrying Bible
We need Gods’ light as we live day-to-day with all that takes place in a lifetime. His light can give us understanding, show us the way in which to go, and help us to make Godly decisions. By Barbara Bonnell, based on Psalm 119:11 and Psalm 119:105 Medium: Watercolor Scripture: Psalm 119:11 (NKJV) Your word
Behold Him
In my painting I imagined a time in the future where we will behold Jesus in all his glory. Many will bring crowns earned for good deeds during their lives and humbly lay them at His feet. As we behold Him as victorious King and Lord, His Spirit transforms us into His image in ever-increasing glory.
Untroubled
I tend to be a worrier – thinking about what needs to be done, how to do it, and what if I do it wrong. Like Martha, Jesus’s friend in Luke 10, I am troubled about many things. But Jesus points to a better way. By Diane Tobolt, based on John 14:27 and Psalm 16:11.
Discovering God in the Unknown
As God teaches me to grow deeper in my understanding of Him, my art reflects His heart for me. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, based on 1 Corinthians 2:8-10 and Discovering God Through the Arts by Terry Glaspey. Medium: Watercolor Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:8-10 (NIV) None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they
Shepherds Leave Fields To Find Jesus
When Christ was born, the shepherds in the field most likely thought it would be a normal night while doing work as usual. But it wasn’t to be a normal night for them, and their lives would change forever. By Barbara Bonnell Media: Watercolor Scripture: Luke 2:8-11 “And there were shepherds living out in the
The Sky Gazers
For thousands of years, the northern lights have fascinated people everywhere and inspired them to behold God the Creator. By Debbie Gustafson Media: Watercolor and Acrylic Paint Scripture: Psalm 19:1 (NIV) “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” It was the last evening of the cruise, and
Art & Poetry
My Soul Thirsts for You, O Lord
Art: “My Soul Thirsts for You, O Lord” by Charlotte Laxen Helfritz. Poetry: “I Am Near to You” by Angela Hunt, 2005. My people, I AM near to you: I am as close as the mention of My name. I am as near as your yearning for Me, As near as the desire in your
Struggle of the Will
Art: “Struggle of the Will” by Barbara Bonnell, 2022. Poem: “The Storm” by Angela Hunt, 2009. Few Are willing to step there, There, into the storm. They, instead, Whisper their incantations Of warrior prayer, intent upon their escape. They willingly march around the fire For forty years they circle it Then go into the Promised
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 “Still” 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
Master Potter
Art “Master Potter” by Shannon Wirrenga, Poem “Untitled” by Gail Lipe. a musty, earthy smell escapes its plastic prisonas 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 mud as a child a
Peace and a Promise
Art Peace and a Promise 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.
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?
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
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