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
You Are God’s Light
Just as the sun energizes the earth, so does the Holy Spirit empower us to shine the Light of Jesus into our own world. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz. Medium: Watercolor. Source of Inspiration: Heaven and Nature Sing by Sharon Brodin. Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) “You are the light of the world. A town built on
Tenacity on the North Shore
Trees teach us how to be tenacious wherever we are planted, growing our roots deep and thriving even in the toughest of terrains. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist Medium: Watercolor on Cotton. Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of
Heaven and Nature Sing
Since God is the Creator of all things, He has given everything a voice to return praise to Him. Scientists say that even the stars are singing! Artist: John Bennett, Fresh Oil Artists Medium: Acrylic and Markers. Scripture: Psalm 96:11-13 (NIV) “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all
The Word Became Flesh
Did Jesus embrace His purpose even in His most innocent beginning? Artist: John Bennett, Fresh Oil Artist Medium: Acrylic on canvas. Scripture: John 1:1-5 (NIV) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made,
The Invitation
The Advent wreath is more than a mere decoration. It’s an invitation from God to receive His son, full restoration, reconciliation, hope, peace, joy and love. By Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Artist Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: Psalm 80:19 (ESV). “Restore us, O Lord God of hosts, let your face shine, that we may be saved. See also
Joyful Bell Ringer
The birth of Christ is like none other in history, for God, Himself, gave His only Son. How can we remember this extraordinary and holy event without over-cluttering our minds and schedules? Artist: Barbara Bonnell. Media: Watercolor/Acrylic. Scripture: Luke 2:11 (ESV) ”For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
Uncluttered
Artist: Cheryl Barr. Title: Uncluttered. Media: Watercolor on cotton paper. Scripture: Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16 NIV Inspired by: The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson. Reflection: Our living room bugged
Christmas Feasts
Life seems myopic with all its work, chores, and duties. Even Christmas, whether we want it to or not, often ends up that way. It’s frustrating to feel that Christmas is another chore on the to-do list. But it really doesn’t take long to stop a few minutes to stop, listen, notice, and enjoy this
Silent As Light
Sometimes we need to turn away from our knowns and gaze into the unknown. Sometimes we find unexpected wonders there. When we let God break through, take us up out of our daily life and routines, those things we keep our eyes on every day, and expand our vision. He may have bigger ideas 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
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
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