Photo by Anna Kolosyuk
Giving Thanks for Art—and the Artists Who Make It

Engage Art | Faith | December 11, 2021

We’ve started a new series here on the Engage Art Blog discussing different spiritual habits practiced by Creatives around the world. Last time, we explored the habit of giving thanks. Today we want to share our gratitude for art of all kinds and the artists who create it—especially YOU, the Engage Art Tribe.

The Engage Art Tribe has taught me valuable life lessons. The collaboration and in-progress sharing that happens in our Facebook Artists’ group shows me how a hunger to grow plays a role in helping us become better artists. I am also always struck by the vulnerability and sincerity that our tribe members share in their posts, prayer requests and Bible Clusters. Artists are highly valued here at Engage Art. We value the art and the person behind the art. It is an honor to serve our Tribe.

~Ranika Chaney, Engagement Manager

God is first and foremost a creator, an artist who imagines beauty and form and makes them real. His creativity is at the forefront of the Scriptures, beginning on page 1. Even better, each human is made in God’s image, so we, too, are creators. We inherited the ability to imagine and manifest. When we create, we draw on this legacy and connection with God in a profound way. 

I’m constantly amazed at the depth and breadth of our tribe. Every time I visit our EA Facebook Artist Group, I see tribe-created art that really lifts my spirit! Watching you integrate your life-affirming creativity into your days has encouraged me to get back to my own creative work. Y'all just blow me away!

~Teresa Cochran, Contest Director

For God, human creating has a purpose: to manifest beauty, craft culture, and create space to meet with God (who undergirds all things good, beautiful, and true). In Exodus 31, He gives directions for a sacred centerpiece of the new Israelite community, a Tent of Meeting. Newly free from slavery, His people are migrants who escaped with only the clothes on their backs. Yet God prescribes luxurious artistic elements for this Tent of Meeting: pure gold, incense, purifying water, beautiful stitching. Through the arts, God demonstrates His abundance to the Israelites. They are reminded of it every time they meet Him in this sacred place, rich with color and design, lush tapestries, fragrant incense, and intricate metalwork. 

I'm thankful for Engage Art because the artist tribe and the contest team have both broadened my perspective. I have seen things in different ways than my normal view, and I love it when I can learn from those who have different skills and viewpoints than I do.  My heart’s desire is for artists to grow in their relationship to God, regardless of where they stand currently. I want Scripture to inspire them to create work that ultimately points to the God of the universe and for that art to inspire others. I thank God for the talents and skills He has built into these incredible artists!

~Bill J. Bantz, CFO

For the blessing and encouragement of his people, God calls Bezalel, Oholiab, and all the gifted craftsmen to use their gifts:

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft! And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make: the Tabernacle; the Ark of the Covenant; the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement; all the furnishings of the Tabernacle; the table and its utensils; the pure gold lampstand with all its accessories; the incense altar; the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils; the washbasin with its stand; the beautifully stitched garments—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. The craftsmen must make everything as I have commanded you.” (Exodus 31:1-11)

Take a moment to ponder this Scripture.

  • What journey might these craftsmen have traveled to hone their gifts in Egypt? 
  • How might they feel to have their skill affirmed by God and commissioned to his purposes? 

As I look through the Gallery, it is so evident that God has gifted each artist here. The stories that go into each creation are such an encouragement to read and share. I am inspired by your artwork every day. Your creativity is a gift. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world!

~Kate Thomas, Content Manager

God loves art. He specifically chooses people to be artists, and He fills artists with the gifts of his Spirit—wisdom, ability, and expertise. He calls them to pursue their craft with excellence and to work to His glory. The artwork that these gifted individuals create ripples outward, refreshing and encouraging others on their journeys. 

I’m very thankful for the community of artists who have come together to grow and unite in their talents and faith. It’s beautiful to see artists drawing from the roots of their faith and being inspired by Scripture to create works of art pleasing to their Creator!

~Will Feldman, CMO

How about you? Do you find that artwork—music, dance, photography, film, painting—connects with you on levels that words alone can not? 

From Our Heart to Yours

Here at Engage Art, our team is so grateful for YOU! We appreciate each of you—the brilliant, diverse, gifted members of our Tribe. We honor the work you’ve contributed to our Gallery, the artist’s stories that inspire us all in the Engage Art App, the growing community in our Facebook group

Seeing artists challenge themselves to truly delve into Scripture and express how it inspired them has deepened my own relationship with Scripture and Christ. I feel and see His presence in my life always. So thank you for supporting and encouraging my faith journey through your art!

~Kirsten Kreiling, Director of Marketing

Finally, we want to share this message of encouragement from the founders of Engage Art:

We were inspired to establish the Engage Art Contest with a desire to encourage the world with Scripture-inspired (GOD-breathed) art. HE calls you to create, bringing encouragement and hope to an embattled world. You have the opportunity to touch the world with your GOD-given gifts. So, Linda and I thank you for your participation. It has blessed us greatly!! 

In this wonderful season of THANKSGIVING, may we thank the greatest Creator of all. The ONE who has been with us and carried us through thick and thin. May HE continue to inspire, direct, and protect you and yours as you talk to—and stay close to—HIM. 

In CHRIST, with Love and Blessings,

Bill & Linda Bantz

As we move through this season of gratitude, at Engage Art, we are truly grateful for you. We hope you find time today to engage culture, engage Scripture, and engage art.

Submit Your Artwork Today!

Curious? Interested in submitting artwork to our contest? Know someone who might be? Through April 14th, 2022, the Engage Art Contest is open to the whole world! Get your foot in the door by claiming your Artist Page now!