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
Waiting for the Cousins
If we think about it, we spend a lot of time in our life “waiting.” We often need to wait when we would rather not and sometimes are impatient and annoyed as a result, but waiting helps develop patience, which is needful to live a well-balanced life. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: Galatians
Ordinary Things
Every time I feel “stuck” in old patterns of life, God teaches me new ways to see things and draw closer to Him. As I look afresh at the ordinaries of life, He shows me more and more how much He loves me individually. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, Fresh Oil Artist Medium: Watercolor on Paper.
Peony
A plant that came from my grandmother’s farm taught me something new about God’s love. But I needed to take time to see and appreciate it first. By Diane Tobolt, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Digital. Scripture: Luke 12:27-28 (NKJV) “Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even
Three Wonders
In spring, even though I anticipate birds building and filling their nests with eggs, I still sense wonder and awe when I see the babies for the first time. I love to watch perfect, tiny beeks appear over the nest’s edge, followed by little heads as small wing flutterings mimic that of their parents. By
Family Walk
What did Jesus mean when He said “have life to the full?” “Life to the full” may bring many different thoughts to each us. And is a full life even possible, considering all the obstacles we experience? By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist. Art Medium: Watercolor and Acrylic. Scripture: John 10:10 (NIV) “…I (Jesus) have come that they have life,
The Veil
For hundreds of years no one had access to the Glory of God except the High Priest of Israel who entered the Holy of Holies with trepidation once a year. A three-inch thick veil stood between him and the Holy of Holies. This symbolized the huge chasm between God and all of humankind, not just Israel.
Living in the Presence
We humans tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves, thinking we’re never enough and that God expects us to be better, or wiser, more giving, or fruitful. But we can change how we think and be changed by how God teaches us to think. By Diane Tobolt, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Digital. Scripture:
Sifting
A woman in India sifted rice. For her it was an ordinary day, but for me, it was a lesson about glorifying God. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist. Media: Watercolor on Arches paper. Scripture: Based on 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for
Peter’s Release
As a disciple, Peter faltered on occasion, but, as the leader of the early church, he glorified Jesus mightily and exemplified strength and courage. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist Media: Mixed Scripture: Based on the disciple Peter’s release from prison, as described in Acts 12:6,7 (NIV) “The night before Herod was to bring him
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
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
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