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
Peter, Awestruck by God’s Glory
Peter fell to his knees. He had fished all night to no avail. But in an instant with one command, Jesus changed everything. By Debbie Gustafson, Freah Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: Based on Luke 5:8-9 (NLT) “When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, ‘Oh, Lord, please
Be Exalted
God’s glory comforts us and wraps us in His love. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, Fresh Oil Artist. Scripture: Based on Psalm 108:5 (NLT) “Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.” Medium: Watercolor on Canvas Panel. Reflection: God’s glory is beyond imagining. When I see moments of
Sabbath Rest
The word “rest” resonates with us in all the seasons of our lives. Especially as we grow and mature, we understand how vital rest is to our spiritual well-being as well as our physical health. But what does rest mean to God? By Diane Tobolt, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Digital. Bible Story Focus: Creation. Reflection:
Isaiah
During a heavenly vision of the glory of God, Isaiah heard God’s call for a messenger and cried out, “Here am I, send me.” How does the glory of God affect us in our own lives? By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist. Scripture: Based on Isaiah 6:8 (NIV) Then I heard the voice of the
Gray Hairs
Change is hard. But in the hands of God, every step in every season reveals God’s gentle care for every detail. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist Scripture: Based on Isaiah 46:4 (NIV). “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you
In the Sandals of Boaz
What do we learn about following Jesus from one of His most important ancestors, Boaz, the grandfather of King David? By Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Artist Scripture: Based on the Book of Ruth. Medium: Colored Pencil and Watercolor Pencil on Toned Paper. Reflection: I wanted to step into the sandals of Boaz, the Kinsman Redeemer
Joshua
Just as Joshua trusted God to lead him through unknown terrain in the promised land, God keeps His promised towards us and leads us through every path of our lives. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor on cotton paper. Scripture: Based on the book of Joshua, specifically Joshua 1:9 (AMP) “Have I not
Abundant Harvest
God’s glory resonates throughout His orderly creation and reflects His infinite intellect , logic, meticulous precision. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist Scripture: Genesis 1:11-12 (NKJV) Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. And the
Woman with Bouquet in the Setting Sun
When the sun is setting and shifting lights display breath-taking beauty upon earth and sky. God’s creation puts smiles on our faces and lift our spirits. By Barbara Bonnell. Media: Watercolor/Acrylic. Scripture: Genesis 1:3-5 (ASV) “And God said, ‘Let there be light’: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good:
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
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
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
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