Golden Hills Art Ministry

Cascade of HopeVellum Bristol Art paper, KIT PIPI Graphite Pencils, framed in Oak. (4H, 3B), Castle Arts Performing Touch Color Pencils | 11” X 17”The variety of images in this piece capture the scriptures in the book of Peter through Karen’s eyes, and how she sees them after hearing them preached at Golden Hills. In 1 Peter, we can see the incredible amount of work that Jesus has done for us and how the struggles that we all face in life can become a pure testament to His amazing existence in each of our lives. The main poem and writings with each drawing are an expression of the emotions that can be felt while studying God’s word.

The Lion that Seeks to DevourDigital on photo paper | 24” x 54”Taking pictures of 3 people in history; fascist dictator, Benito Mussolini, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie and Ethiopian English professor, Asfaw Malaku.I “shredded” each person, rearranging their “digital DNA”, and created a distinct new pattern for each person. I then took that pattern and created a symbol that represented each person’s life. Mussolini is depicted as the “Devil who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 Haile Selassie is depicted by a Coptic cross, as he was widely known in his country to be a Christian, and a direct descendant of King Solomon.Asfaw Malaku is depicted as an apple, long associated as a symbol for teachers. In this case there is a bite out of the apple, as this particular lion directly impacted the professor and the direction Mussolini’s attacks took his life from the time he was a young child.There is a strong local connection with this piece as Asfaw Malaku’s daughter, Nunu Asfaw Campbell has been attending Golden Hills Church for the past 20 years. Local missionary Jodie Collins helped smuggle 10 of Haile Selassie’s great grandchildren out of Ethiopia during the revolution, and Golden Hills parent church, Fair Oaks helped support the great grandchildren after the assassination of Haile Selassie. Selassie and Malaku both out lived this roaring lion. Who are the roaring lions in your life?

ShadowsOil on canvas | 30"x40"In 1 Peter 5, the devil is described as a prowling lion, seeking to devour. The danger of a lion is obvious, but what if the lion is the kitten that you’ve raised, not recognizing it for a lion until it’s too late? It is easier to resist an enemy that declares itself your enemy. Do you know what danger looks like? In the garden, Eve had a choice. To eat the forbidden fruit or not. We have that same choice every day. To resist the devil or not. It is the attraction and beauty of flowers that tempts us to ignore the warning. Attractive fruit and harmless kittens, beware of the lion beneath them.

The Journey To...Acrylic on canvas“The Journey to…” is my piece to reflect on 1 Peter. Through acrylic paints, I really wanted to capture God beauty throughout the world. The people at the bottom of the painting, are those who choose their own path and not the path of the Lord. The ones who are walking to the cross, are those who choose to follow the Lord. Our journey as believers, is to look much different than those who are self reliant. I have much symbolism in my painting. One of which I was able to incorporate Matthew 11:28-30. In summary those verses talk about finding rest in the Lord. The gentleman sitting around the cross is a reflection of that verse. He also happens to be my grandfather who passed July 2, 2025. Through Gods grace, we believe he has found his rest in Him.

Resist.Acrylic on canvas | 11” x 14”Throughout the book of Peter, God calls us not to conform to our former evil desires, but instead to live wholly for Him. The four dark shadows crawling from behind symbolize the undesired evil company that so often linger in our lives. Turning away from those sinful desires that tempt each of us may not be easy. Yet, seeing that gleaming light above is a reminder that through God’s mercy, we have been born again. Therefore, it is vital to place our full trust in Him and seek to glorify God in every moment we are given.

The Path of an ExileDigital | 8"x10"A man has been freed from his shackles and looks out at the bright morning sun. However, he is notably separated from the procession of men who march northward, all of whom are masked in shadow. Rendered in gouache and fresco-style brushes, the rolling hills and winding path evoke a graphic sense of texture. While rays of sunlight streak across the scene, providing an impressionist quality that amplifies the contrast between freedom and the alienation of an exile.

Into His Marvelous LightWatercolor, Gouache, & Watercolor Pencil | 15.75” x 29.75”The inspiration for my piece was 1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Life on earth is full of dark moments, shadows, trials and difficulties. We struggle with each other, we struggle with our selves, and we struggle with God. God calls us out of this darkness into fellowship with Him. Only when we seek Christ our Saviour, who gave his life for our sin, do we find life, peace and hope in this fallen world. Our hope is in the kingdom to come when as it is written in Isaiah 40:31 “…they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” I hope this piece encourages you to seek Christ now and forevermore.

The Holy PriesthoodAcrylic on canvas | 36” x 24”In the center of the painting, there is a small stone house (the holy priesthood) with its door open. Inside the house, you see two stone figures (living stones). One, shining with light, is washing the other man’s feet. Outside the house, there are four more living stones. On the left, a man is gently wiping away a woman’s tears. On the right, a woman is feeding soup to a sick man. They are grounded in their faith, making them like stones, but alive because of their actions, as they live for Christ. The sky in the background is divided into three parts. On the left, the sky is light blue. In the middle, it turns hazy yellow. On the right, it becomes dark stormy purple. The stone figures glow differently depending on how dark the sky is around them, showing that the faith of the stones is strong and resilient no matter the conditions. This painting shows a concept from 1 Peter 2 — that believers are “living stones.” Their faith and actions make them shine, and their strength comes from being built on Jesus (his love and his strength).

Campfire ConversationsAcrylic on canvas | 14” x 11”I Peter writes about us being living stones built together into a spiritual house through Jesus. Using my familiar animals I paint with I was inspired to paint a scene with them discussing this scripture. I enjoyed painting the darks and lights caused by the campfire. It was also fun bringing in the personalities of Sully the frog and Ginger the hedgehog. Can you hear the crackling of the fire? The giggles from the gleaming eyes spying in the background? The mouse not sure what to think of Sully’s outburst. Thistle the beaver unusually quiet.

The Art of Food - Roman interpretationEdible LovelinessAncient Roman Food is perhaps more familiar than we might think. In the Apicus, the oldest recorded Cookbook, we find many things we enjoy today, fruits and vegetables, stews, bread and so forth. Now there were some items that we don’t so much see today - like stuffed door mice and roasted flamingos. It is no doubt within the context of Peter’s ministry within the Roman Empire that being raised in Jewish culture and tradition that eating with Gentiles was certainly a challenge. In Acts 11: 5-10 we see Peter being prepared to work within a foreign environment, one that will challenge who he sees himself as. In Galatians 2:11-16 we get to see Peter stumble a bit while living amongst and working with the Gentiles and he is confronted with this very matter of eating non-Jewish food. Peter serves as a great example for us that sanctification is a walk - a very long walk and we all will have challenges and blind spots to contend with along the way.

Falling FlowersOil on linen panel 12” x 16”Hurried feet rushing the train; look here, look there—stilettos all the rage; turn around—hiking boots the new vogue. Flurrying, fleeting change, but God’s word is enduring. Beautiful poppies, carefree, singing for a moment—seasons change, flowers fall. Peter quotes Isaiah as a reminder that the word of God is enduring, written some 700-800 years before Peter, but still true. “For all people are like grass, and their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:24 (And Isaiah 40:8)

The Flowers of the FieldAcrylic & Oil | 36”x24”Blood boughtFlower pot He picks me from the field and returns me to the fold Time erases everything as we try and fail to break the mold The story’s already told But some of it’s untold The sun evaporates our troubles Our treasures become soilSovereign over everything He turns the dust to Gold Earthly gains impermanent As His plans unfold I’m so grateful to the Lord He preserves my soul Everything is not in vain He aligns my goalsAnd everything is in His name Over everything His rule Impermanence is a hard truth to experience But an everlasting, infinite, permanent God is a truth that’s hard to comprehend

ReflectionsWatercolor on Strathtmore, 400 series | 22 1/2” x 19”1 Peter 1:24-25, Peter uses the imagery of grass and flowers to convey a profound message about the nature of human life and the enduring nature of God’s Word, His promises and His faithfulness. This wintery snow scene is an image of a season of dormancy, which encourages mindful restfulness. It also represents the space to create more frequent opportunities to talk with God.

HOPEPaper, potograph, mirror | 24”x29”x6”Agamograph: an art form created by Yaacov Agam that uses optical illusions to create an image that shifts before the viewers’ eyes.As Victoria was planning for this year’s event, she was set on making an interactive book, until God gave her the idea of making an agamograph during a sermon on 1 Peter. The images in the piece focus on the hope we have in Jesus, even and especially in our brokenness. As such, the imperfections you see are not mistakes, but intentional. Mounting the agamograph on a mirror is to remind us that we are reflections of God, He has chosen us, selected us, and that His beauty is all around us. 1 Peter 1:13 says, “...set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.”

Reflection of HopeAcrylic on canvasTide pools are full of all kinds of animals, plants, and shells. These bright and colorful creatures and plants are beautiful, but as you are busy looking at the bright red crab or the pretty shells, you might be missing out on something much more magnificent and glorious to behold. To make the blurry reflection of the castle that is our eternal hope clearer in our minds, we must focus on it. It’s ok to enjoy the sand dollars, but we should always remember where these good things come from and what we find our ultimate joy in.

Morning PrepFabric on canvas | 18”x24”To start out the day, we eat. Jesus got up early in the morning to pray. Christians are encouraged to start the day with God. Starting our day with scripture is “preparing our minds for action.” The figure in this collage shows someone starting their day “eating” from God’s word. The mind is fed, charged, renewed, ready for action whether from God, self or others. The day’s activity is best when it starts out by tasting and seeing that God is good. 1 Peter 1:13 is a reminder to the disciple to set our hope above, be obedient, watch our conduct, and love one another. These activities require the word of God in our minds.

Things Into Which Angels Long to LookOil on wood panel | 11” x 14”In this painting, an angel figure is standing before a door, containing the light of the message, desiring to step in, but forbidden. This image hopes to help put in perspective the importance and magnitude of the Gospel. For powerful, majestic beings like angels desire to know what has been revealed to us. I think that this word “long” does not quite fully grasp the degree to which angels feel this desire. The original word has various definitions that help us to depict this a little better. One of them is “set the heart upon.” I imagine that angels yearn with their whole heart desiring to know this wonder that God has done.

We Are RedeemedOil on canvas | 11” x 14”To redeem someone from something requires paying a ransom. See the Garden of Gethsemane now empty with only small remnants of what transpired when Jesus was taken captive. You feel the desolation as you see in the painting symbols of the treachery (thirty pieces of silver), the angry struggle of men (the sword), a shadowed angel looking on trying to understand why mankind is worth redeeming, and the empty cup symbolizing the ransom paid for all who believe. Imagine him now gone from this Garden but the symbols of what it took to redeem us remain.

What Angels Long to SeePencil | 8"x12"“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.”1 Peter 1:10-12

Persistent Joy: Keeping Our Hearts On HeavenPhotography | 15” x 39”Starting left to right, with the first image one sees “There is light and the Bride rejoices.” Next, a Marine Major and a Navy Chaplin hold a baptism in the Caribbean Sea; truly, “Joy declared and shared.” After destructive weather, those passing through this neighborhood in Better Hope, Guyana are invited to partake in a counter culture mindset, “Perspectives; not of the world.” The fourth image is of a Sister recovering at Eden Medical Center from an aneurism, it beams: “Trials refine and joy persists.” This collage was inspired by 1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV.

A Veiled InheritancePrint on Fujiflex silver halide photographic paper | 30” x 20”This photo was taken on the last night of a photography workshop in the fishing village of Hamnøy, on the Lofoten Islands, Norway. The scene spoke to me emotionally while my mind reflected on the truths studied in 1 Peter. The arctic chill was harsh; I was slipping on the icy ground, the water was choppy, and the storm clouds were blowing in. The cabins reminded me of the elite exiles, chosen by God and precious, who live sober minded, with joy in the glory of God. And while their land is dark and stormy, their minds are set on a future joy, they are blessed in Christ, with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. (Eph 1:3) The Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights, were not visible to my naked eye. It is the sensor of the camera that picks up the color in the darkness. The bright color of the aurora conveys our living hope, our eternal inheritance through Jesus that is being kept for us in heaven; imperishable, undefiled and unfading. The reflection in the water symbolizes that which we know now but our veiled eyes can’t fully see until the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Peter the ApostleColored pencil on pastel paper | 10” x 10”This illustration explores who Peter the Apostle was. Within the brackets of a fishing net and a rock we explore Peter’s journey with Jesus. He was a fisherman, rock, witness to miracles, recipient of revelation and wrote and spoke with authority. From the fishing hook motif in the lettering to the three rays of light that emanate from the scribe’s pen over the waves, there are plenty of visual prompts to begin to explore Peter’s story.

The Letter: Inspired by 1 Peter 1:6–9Graphite Pencil | 24” x 18”This drawing captures an early Christian returning to find his home vandalized. Since he first heard about Peter’s letter, he has been longing to read it, and now, kneeling among his broken possessions, he finally does. As light falls across his back, the words in the letter meet his grief with hope. Sorrow gives way to joy, confusion to understanding. He is overwhelmed with gratitude for what his Lord has done. What is your response to Peter’s letter? Do you strive alone—or kneel in gratitude like this believer long ago—overwhelmed with gratitude for what the Lord has done?

1 Peter is a letter written in the 60s A.D. by the apostle Peter to the Christians scattered throughout Roman provinces in Asia Minor. Peter encourages these elect exiles to hold fast to their living hope in Christ while enduring trials and suffering in the present evil age. He urges them to do so by conducting their lives with joyful holiness until the day of future grace and glory.This collection of artwork was created by various artists using different media, including visual, written, musical, and edible art, to recount how the themes of 1 Peter have impacted and inspired them. Follow the narrative thread through the letter, and notice how the pieces of art build upon one another, creating isolated moments of wonder, while contributing to and adorning the theme as a whole. As you ponder the artwork in this book, we hope that the stories and truths they represent both challenge and encourage you. Allow yourself to be drawn into each piece, where you might discover reflections of your own story, within God’s bigger story.

D’Evelyn SpeknerRedeemedWatercolor, Watercolor Pencil, Gouache, Ink18” x 24” This watercolor reveals how God has redeemed His people throughout history. The Red Sea crossing, desert wanderings, Mount Sinai, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem are all connected to the cross of redemption through the arching olive branch of peace. The Living Water of Jesus Christ pours out of the split Rock of Ages and brings life to the desert. Groves of olive trees anoint the desert and bring hope to Jerusalem, the City of Peace. Bright bold complimentary colors are used throughout the painting to express joy, hope, excitement, and anticipation of the unshakable, everlasting Kingdom to come.

Peggy WunderlyMy TurnGraphite Pencil20” x 24” Studying Nehemiah, the word ”preparation” kept coming to mind. The rebuilding of the temple and walls were both a physical restoration and a spiritual preparation for the coming Messiah, who would fulfill God’s promises to His people. Those same walls would see the promised Messiah ride through their gates on a donkey. They would also witness His death and resurrection. But the story is not finished...there will be a white horse. Jesus humble entry on the donkey (Zechariah 9:9) contrasts with Jesus’ majestic return on a white horse (Revelation 19:11-16). While the donkey has served its purpose, the horse now stands ready to serve the King. The concept of preparation in Nehemiah gives us hope. Like the Israelites, we too are to be prepared, knowing His promises will be fulfilled, and He will return on a white horse in glory for His people.

UntitledAcrylics48” x 48” In Nehemiah, the people rejoiced when they rebuilt the temple. Their rejoicing was over something God had done for them. The people on the pages of the Bible are all experiencing joy in their circumstances. My audio recording tells the stories of these people, if you would like to hear about them. Unfortunately, there are people in the world who are still in bondage to sin and do not experience God’s light, as demonstrated in the background. My favorite part of the painting is the Holy Spirit, who is gentle, joyful, encouraging, gives us strength and moves through all believers.

Faith SendaydiegoThe Artist’s TouchGouache on Ampersand Aquabord18” x 24” This scene was inspired by the Japanese practice of “kintsugi” (repairing broken pottery with gold), which embraces the idea that brokenness can lead to more beauty as gold fills the cracks and creates glimmering fault lines. Marble statues stand tall in postures of praise with gold running through where they were once broken. The Artist who carefully carved their forms also repaired them, making them more beautiful and precious than they were before. As the ruins continue crumbling around them, they remain standing tall worshiping their Creator

Joselito BarengThe Gracious Hand of God Nehemiah 1:1-5Colored Pencil 11” × 14” Nehemiah’s story reminds us that through persistent prayer, God is able to perform miracles in and through us, but we must be willing to do what He wants, the way He wants it done. What breaks your heart? The situations and problems in the world that break our hearts are often the very things that God wants us to take on. When God calls us to a task, it often starts with a broken heart. God knows every circumstance we have been through or will go through. What we see as broken, God sees as beautiful. He knows where each piece belongs. And when we put our trust and hope in Jesus, piece by piece, he restores us back together into something more beautiful than we were before. Jesus is not only restoring the broken things in our lives but he is restoring the broken things in this world.

James BarengRejoice! God Will DeliverColored Pencil, Pencil on Paper11” x 14” Throughout the course of Nehemiah, God has heard the prayers of Nehemiah and his people, acknowledged their obedience, and has delivered them in the face of opposition many times. Through prayer and obedience, the Lord becomes the foundation of our strength and will deliver us time and time again. As it is written in Nehemiah 8:10, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Just like the Israelites who overcame the obstacle of building the wall and who are freed to rejoice and celebrate for God’s glory, we too can overcome opposition, freely rejoicing in the strength God provides.

Heather KenneyYet Not IDigital Art18” x 24” God Himself tasked the Israelites with reconstructing the wall and gates of Jerusalem and later reminded them of His commandment to celebrate the Feast of Booths. In His great and awesome plan, He miraculously took a group of ordinary people with ordinary tools, and carried out His work through them! Using these ordinary tools to do the work could have felt laborious for the Israelites through the long days and nights of construction. Did they ever lose sight of the purpose for their labor? Yet as they built, God was working. He would not only make their efforts succeed but would use them to bring Himself beyond what the Israelites could imagine.

Noshua Nunley Jr.Mourning the AftermathAcyrlic on canvas This piece was created to give insight on a part of a longer story that began with a message from Nehemiah‘s brother Hanani, who informed him of the return of the captives from Jerusalem that they are in great trouble, and the gates and walls were torn down and destroyed by fire and Jerusalem. This teaches patience to persevere in times of grief and struggle. Nehemiah went to inspect the walls down to the Dung gate. The dragon well and to the Valley gate, which is what you see in the picture. Nehemiah was put in maroon clothing to really pinpoint the main character of this picture. There were other men there with him. For some of them it’s probably the first time viewing the gate. When Nehemiah was informed about the wall, being torn down the mourned and fasted which resulted in him going to inspect the wall himself!

Pearl DeCewThe Comfort of GodFiber Panel #1 (lower right) – Like the walls of Jerusalem, our life is broken down by our sinful nature. We reach up to the ultimate King and ask for help to rebuild our lives. He is faithful and gives us His word.Book #1 -The Bible. It is here we learn to rely on God’s promises. Just as Ezra read the law to the Israelites as they built, they gained strength and knowledge. We too, should read our Bible, to gain strength, knowledge and recognize victories as we walk with Jesus.Panel #2 (middle) –Nehemiah faced forces that fought against the builders of the walls. During our time here on earth, we have forces that we think we must fight, but we must remember, the battle is the Lords. We do not fight against flesh and bone. Our sword is the word of God. Sometimes it is dark, but we look towards the light and know our names are written in the book of life.Book #2 – The Book of Life. Some Israelites were chosen to live on the other side of Jerusalem after the walls were built. I find comfort that my name is written in the book of life. I will live in the New Jerusalem. Panel #3 (upper left) – Heaven is our destiny, There will be all the fine things of earth there. Still this panel could not come near the beauty of what we’ve yet to see.

Lisa BrambletFood FOOD ~ not merely what we eat as fuel, it represents History, Science, Culture and Art. The Israelites as a people were mobile, occupied, held captive and scattered. Their food reflects the collective experiences of where they have been and who they were with. It was incorporated into their lives and their sacred traditions, notably Sabath and Festival observances. Featured in this event are some well-loved dishes:Borscht: (Cold Beet Soup) Standard in the restaurant trade, light and surprising. (Lithuanian influence) Potato Kugel: an Ashkenazi staple, a hearty and filling favorite. (Polish influence) Shalet: (Apple Pudding/Soufflet) a cloud of apple delight that will amaze your palate. (French influence) Loubia: (Black-Eyed Pea Salad) cold salad, hearty and satisfying. (Egyptian influence)

Alysia WatkinsRaised UpAcrylic & charcoal on canvas24” x 36”When digging through the rubble while rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, what pieces of the previously destroyed lives were found? Broken toys? Dishes? Bones? This sad, yet hopeful, painting explores the parallels between recovering from a natural disaster and the Israelites returning to restore (even resurrect?) their destroyed city. God saved a remnant from the disaster, though many also died. Ezra, the priest, returned first to rebuild the Temple, just as people need medics first to resuscitate life. Later, Nehemiah led a group to rebuild the defenses and re-establish God’s boundaries for His people—as construction workers come to do here. (Nehemiah 6:15-16)

Ann CruzNehemiah Inspects Jerusalem’s WallsOil on canvas Nehemiah 2:13-15 13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; 15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. This painting depicts a type of resolve in the loneliness of God’s calling. The difficult work Nehemiah must do in preperation for the rebuilding of God’s city and the restoration of His people. Rebuilding the wall paves the way for Christ to come through those very gates as the one who ultimately lead us to repentance and a rebuilt life. In the painting a cup of wine, a wooden tree , a crown of thorns and in the distance Galgotha are foreshadows of what is to come. Look closely.

Lily MaharPray Without CeasingGraphite pencils and paper This piece is about continually reaching out to God in prayer in every circumstance the way Nehemiah did before, during, and after the rebuilding of the wall. The first scene demonstrates Nehemiah praying to God on his bed in sorrow and in preparation before talking to the king. In the second scene, he’s in the presence of the king, but before he answers him, he prays discreetly to God. The last part of the piece is about praise. Nehemiah and all the people are rejoicing and praising the Lord saying “Amen, Amen” with their hands reaching for God and their heads bowed, overjoyed with gratitude.

Marianne SpeknerThe Journey (Seeing God’s glory)Acrylic paint on canvas, lined with Micron ink pens24”x48” The dove represents Jesus Christ, guiding her on her journey, and the snake is a representation of the enemy, who reminds us of our past (The old self). The tree roots below are our roots in Christ as our foundation, and He is building us up in His likeness throughout our lives, and the purple ribbon she has in her hair becomes a covering for her that hides her shame. The gold clouds and leaves are the Holy Spirit moving us along like the wind. In the final panel, the dove symbolizes the cross, how Jesus died for our sins and rose again to give us new life.

Nehemiah recounts the history of how God restored and revitalized his city and his people in the 5th century BC. God did this by bringing the Israelites back from exile, rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, and renewing their covenant to love and worship Him. It is a powerful narrative that points forward to Jesus, the great reformer, the cornerstone of the Christian church.The artists in this collection have reflectively springboarded from this account to tell our own stories, create new music, and craft visual, tactile, and tasteable art. As you contemplate the works, we invite you to engage your imagination, intellect, feelings, senses, and memory. May you be inspired to wonder what divine truths are being communicated, what connections to your life story can be made, what beauty can be uncovered.