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
Earthen Vessels
Our Creator designs, forms and fires us into vessels for His purposes. We endure testing and trial as He shapes us the way He desires. We are uniquely equipped by design to bring glory to His name. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artists Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-8 (NLT) “But we have this treasure in
This Is My Father’s World
In rough times, we may ask the age-old question “Where is God in this?” In the song, “This Is My Father’s World,” we hear, “God is the Ruler yet,” and we remember that the one and only God is on the throne and in control;, nothing surprises Him. By Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium:
Love for Jesus
Generation upon generation has had sorrows, struggles, and woes. Although conditions and circumstances may be different, the human heart and its desire for a love relationship with God is universal. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist Media: Watercolor. Scripture: I John 4:19 (KJV) “We love him, because he first loved us.” Inspired By: Amazing Grace,
Grace Abounding
A blended photograph image depicts a violent storm like the one John Newton experienced. Like him, we’ve all felt tossed and torn and in need of God’s mercy. By John Bennett, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Oil on 16 X 20” Canvas. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:8 (KJV) “And God is able to make all grace abound
Invitation to the Dance
Does God truly delight in us? How could that be? By Diane Tobolt, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Digital. Scripture: Isaiah 62:3-4 (ESV) “You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land
Through the Cross
The work of Jesus on the cross opened the way for us to experience the presence of God and live life according to His plan and design for my life and to fellowship with Him. God calls each of us to come to this place. God calls each of us to come to this place. By
Peace in the Heart
Even a garden filled with the most beautiful flowers—or even the most gorgeous scene imaginable—although it might give us a sense of well-being and temporary peace, is not able to give lasting peace to our hearts. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: John 14:27 (KJV) “Peace I leave with you, my
Rest & Reset
Rest. How can we do that when anxieties wake us in the wee hours of the morning? Yet we know that God offers His own peace to guard our hearts and minds, living in Christ Jesus. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist Medium: Watercolor. Scripture: Philippians 4:7 (NLT) “Let all that I am wait quietly
Abandoned But Not Deserted
In the Garden of Gethsemans, Jesus was abandoned by His followers but not by His Father. In that garden, Jesus submitted to His Father’s will and to the cross so that we can live securely in God’s presence in this life and for all eternity. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor pencil
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?
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,