Artists of all ages, skill levels, and mediums are invited to create original visual imagery that reflects the theme of “Sharing the gospel and our lives”. The heart of this series is a picture of what living in Christian community and being on Christian mission look like in real life.
This will tie in with our fall series on the book of 1st Thessalonians.
Pieces are due September 20th, 2026.
Theme: Sharing the Gospel & our Lives
Creative Prompts for Inspiration
1. Shared Lives
Prompt: What does it look like to share your life with others?
Create a work that captures friendship, hospitality, discipleship, generosity, family, vulnerability, or belonging. Show us what genuine Christian community looks and feels like.
This comes straight from the heartbeat of 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
2. Living Sent
Prompt: Where do you see God’s Kingdom breaking into ordinary life?
Create a work that celebrates everyday faithfulness—loving neighbors, serving others, working with integrity, showing hospitality, extending grace, or bringing hope into ordinary places.
Getting Started
1 • Invite God into your process. Begin with prayer and an open heart.
Creator God, Thank You that You are always growing something beautiful from even the smallest seeds of faith. As we set out to create, we invite Your Holy Spirit to breathe inspiration and direction into our work. Show us what “Sharing the gospel and our lives” looks like. Let our work help us love one another better as you have taught us. Open our hearts to see what You see for Hillcrest, for our community, and for the generations to come. May our art become an offering—reflecting Your beauty, Your purpose, and Your glory. — Amen
2 • Read and reflect on the book of 1 Thessalonians. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight anything God wants you to notice about this letter to a budding church.
3 • Pray and listen. Ask God to give you an image or idea that reflects His heart for “Sharing the gospel and our lives” at Hillcrest.
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Types of artwork that you can submit: Two-dimensional artwork on canvas, paper, wood, etc., three-dimensional sculpture of wood, metal, clay, etc., or a framed poem.
Entry Limit: Three
Deadline for submission: Sunday, September 20th, 2026 by 1pm
No submissions can be accepted after Sunday, September 20th @ 1pm.
It takes time for our volunteers to prepare, arrange, and hang artwork; they need to have all artwork submissions in hand to design the exhibit.
Where to bring art: Drop off finished artwork at the church office anytime before the deadline, between Monday-Thursday 9-4pm.
When will it be displayed? Art work for “Sharing the gospel and our lives” will be on display in the Fireside Cafe beginning: Sunday September 27th.
Submission Details
You are invited to use any visual medium (painting, sculpture, mixed media, digital, textile, photography, etc.) or compose poetry to create original artwork that represents Sharing the gospel and our lives as found in 1st Thessalonians.
Visual Art Submission Details:
• 2D artwork on canvas: may be a one-piece or a series (several purposely-related works submitted under one title). Artwork on canvas, wood panels, etc. must include a sturdy hanging mechanism (metal wire on eye hooks recommended). Artwork on paper must be framed and ready to hang.
• 3D sculpture, craft: may be freestanding or made to be set on a pedestal. Please contact Carlo Furlan if your work will need a pedestal.
• Do not include pieces that can easily fall off, break or deteriorate.
• Do not submit any works that qualify as an installation—that is, 2D/3D mixed media that incorporates drilling into any part of the wall, floor, or ceiling in the Fireside Room.
Poetry Submission Details:
• Frame your poetry.
• Typed or legibly handwritten.
All entries must meet the following requirements:
- Relates to imagery of Sharing the gospel and our lives as found in 1st Thessalonians.
- Be permanently labeled (somewhere hidden, like on the back) with your name and phone number
- Be ready to hang (for 2-dimensional work). Must have securely-attached hardware, like a wire stretched between two eyelet screws. If your work is on foamcore, Hillcrest will make hangers on the back for you.
- Have a signed Artist Release Form
- Have an Art Entry Sheet taped to the front of your submission
- Have an Artist Statement, 150 words or less, printed and taped to the front of your artwork
- A copy of your Artist Statement emailed to Carlo Furlan
by September 20, 2026, by 1pm. - Drop off finished artwork at the church office anytime before the deadline, between Monday-Thursday 9-4pm.
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Notice: Hillcrest Church staff reserves the right to not display any submission that:
- Is not submitted on time or does not meet all of the submission requirements: signed artist release form, art entry sheet, artist statement, or any artwork that is not ready to hang/display.
- Contradict or misrepresent Hillcrest Church’s values to Love God, Grow Together, Care for the World (for example, do not include: symbols of political or other organizational affiliation, profanity, hate, violence, sexually explicit or suggestive material.)
- May potentially fall apart, break, or disintegrate over the course of the display. This includes frames that are not sturdy enough to handle the duration of the sermon series.
Please note that Hillcrest Church serves a wide audience that includes children and people who have experienced trauma and are in recovery.
Need help? Got a question?
Contact Carlo Furlan
