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
Into the Unknown
Artist: Diane Tobolt. Medium: Digital Art. Source of Inspiration: When We Pray Like Jesus by Elisa Morgan Scripture: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and
The Father’s Will
No matter how the future appears, when the landscape of life looks bleak, we can rest in the confidence that our Father knows best. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor on 100% cotton paper. Scripture: Luke 22:42 (NLT) “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet
Struggle of the Will
We are all human with weaknesses and faults, and the pull of selfish desires can beckon us away from God. The other side of the coin, though, turning to and walking in the the Will of God, will bring greater inner hope, love, forgiveness and peace to our soul. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist.
Two-sided Prayer
What do you do when God’s will and your will are as far apart as the two sides of a coin that will never see each other? By Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor; Micron Pen. Scripture: Luke 22:42 (ISV) “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but
The Calm in the Storm
When I was discipled as a young Christian, my mentor taught me to say “Thank you, Father” in everything, so it was always the first thing out of my mouth when anything happened–good or bad. By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor on Canvas. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (BRG) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in
Simple Pleasures
In her book, One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp intimately and captivatingly describes her journey from despair to hope. As she began to look for and write down simple blessings and gratitudes, she found delight in her everyday life as a homeschool mom and farmer’s wife. By Cheryl Barr, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Watercolor on Arches 100%
Eucharisteo, Hand Stories
Time seems to flow through my hands like sand, grain by grain, moment by moment. Time is a gift, and I can choose how to receive and utilize it. When I redeem and invest in my time, I am filling it with thanksgiving and gratitude for what he has done and what he is doing
Heart’s Melody
One joyous gift the Lord has given us, whether we have the talent ourselves or appreciate it, is music. When we sing vocally or silently, we can praise Him from our heart, just as Psalm 104:33 says, as long as we live. By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Mixed Media. Scripture: Psalm 104:33 (KJ21)
Blessings
Why is it so easy to remember the bad things, the problems, the worries? Slowly, I have begun to see the wisdom of looking for the good, the things that bring peace, the rays of light to focus on, the things that lead me back to God. By Diane Tobolt, Fresh Oil Artist. Medium: Digital
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?
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
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,