All ages, skill levels, and mediums are welcome! We’re inviting everybody in the church to create and submit pieces of original artwork that reflects the Shared Direction Kingdom Tree theme.
Scripture: Matthew 13:31–32
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree and birds come and make nests in its branches.”
Theme: The Kingdom Tree
Artists are invited to create original visual imagery or poetry that reflects the theme of a Kingdom Tree: a symbol of God’s growing kingdom here on earth. Your artwork can be:
• A literal depiction of a tree where birds and creatures find shelter and life.
• A visual abstract representation inspired by Hillcrest’s Shared Direction vision, exploring how the Kingdom grows and flourishes in our community
• Poetry that reflects the Shared Direction Kingdom Tree theme.
Creative Prompts
You are encouraged to explore the imagery of the Shared Direction Kingdom Tree as it grows over the next five years:
• Deep Roots: What do deep, faithful roots look like at Hillcrest? What does it look like for people of all ages to be formed into the image of Christ? What might the generational impact look like?
• Strong Trunk: How is a strong, unified community formed? What does Hillcrest’s shared work in the next 5 years and beyond look like?
• Broad Branches: What kind of people will find shelter, rest, and belonging in these branches?
Or, look further ahead:
• Dream about the Community Resource Center’s impact. What might this Broad Branch look like in 20 years?
• What do transformed lives look like when touched by this kind of Kingdom growth?
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 Your Kingdom Tree looks like. Show us its deep roots of formation, its strong trunk of unity, and its flourishing broad branches of welcome and shelter. 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 Matthew 13:31–32. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight anything God wants you to notice about this passage.
3 • Review the “Our Shared Direction” Five-Year Vision tri-fold. Let its themes shape your imagination.
4 • Pray and listen. Ask God to give you an image or idea that reflects His heart for the Kingdom Tree at Hillcrest.
5 • Meditate. Imagine the Kingdom Tree. What does it look like, feel like, or sound like? How might you represent its growth, strength, and shelter through your chosen medium?
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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: Unlimited
Deadline for submission: Sunday, January 18, 2026 by 1pm
No submissions can be accepted after Sunday, January 18 @ 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? Artwork for Kingdom Tree Exhibit will be on display in the Fireside Cafe beginning January 25, 2026.
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 Matthew 13:31–32 and/or the Shared Direction vision.
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 the Shared Direction Kingdom Tree
- 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 January 18, 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
