Local Art
Ministry Reaches Out
to Surrounding
Communities
By
Jim Day
“Have you ever painted a sunset or seascape
and at its completion wanted to step into that painting to be part of it?
That’s what God did 
after
He created the heavens and the earth and mankind in His image. It was a ‘perfect
painting’ until temptation, sin and death entered the Garden of Eden. So God
‘stepped into the painting’...as tarnished as it was, and poured Himself into
His own creation when He came in the flesh as a babe born of a virgin, and
then as a grown man died a sinless death on the cross to save the world from
the penalty of sin and death. His resurrection from the dead, ascension back
into heaven and giving of His Spirit to any who would receive Him as a promise
of eternal life gives all power to His work on the cross. A ‘tarnished painting’
redeemed, to one day be beautiful again at His return. What a painting! Can
you picture it? That’s the foundation that The Young Artists Outreach Ministries
rests on” says director/teacher Jane Fetsch.
What started out as a Christ centered
multi-media art class for homeschooled children has turned into a ministry of
biblically-based themed painting workshops complete with receptions and
exhibits. Since 2002 students have been ministered to as they grow in their
talent as artists. Color theory, composition and painting techniques are a few
fundamentals that have been covered in these sessions. Not only are
homeschooled students welcome, but any child ages 8-18 (beginner or
experienced) from the surrounding communities, as well as visiting artists
nationally and from abroad can participate. This is a great opportunity for
artists to fellowship.
The ministry hopes to travel a vast plain. Young
Artists exhibitions with biblical messages have taken place in local churches
and several public library display cases. Not only is this an outlet for
artists to show their God-given talents, but an opportunity to point viewers to
Jesus Christ as well. Since this ministry has a heart for evangelism, the
possibility of local businesses displaying paintings as a ‘trust’ is not ruled
out. Several years ago Jane made a trip to a local cleaners and noticed a
beautiful painting in their foyer showing Jesus walking on water in the mist of
a storm... “It ministered to me greatly.” Jane shared. “Wow! Life is full of
storms and Jesus is ‘the life-saving boat.’”
Recently the ministry has corresponded with
some nationally recognized art museums. “There are so many ‘doors of
opportunity’ and trusting God to open just the right ones since He alone knows
the plans for this ministry is certainly a ‘faith thing,’” relates Jane.
If you have ever taken in an exhibit,
painted a self portrait or landscape, have a love and appreciation for acrylics
on canvas, or simply want to live out Hebrews
10:38-39, then this ministry should be of interest to you. A six-week
Spring 2008 painting workshop entitled Shores
& Deep Seas (in reflection of Jesus’ promise... “I will make you
fishers of men.” - Matthew 4:19 and Mark 1:17) will have its
reception/exhibit open to the public on Friday, March 21st from 1 to 5 p.m. at
the Indian Trails Branch County Public Library located at 8400 Delport Dr., in St.
Louis.
For more information about Young Artists Outreach
Ministries visit their website at www.freewebs.com/theyoungartists/.
