During the times we are moved to gaze at a beautiful painting or an expertly chiseled sculpture, we might remark on the artist’s God-given talent. It’s a sentiment shared by people for centuries. In fact, the great artist Michelangelo once said, “Art is the gift of God, and must be used unto His glory. That in art is highest which aims at this.”

One community of artists is furthering this by using the proceeds generated from the sale of their artworks to extend help to the less fortunate. More importantly, the GCF (Greenhills Christian Fellowship) Artists desire to help "bring Jesus Christ to the poor, indigent, and marginalized families of our country" via a group exhibit ongoing at ARTablado at Robinsons Galleria.

Last year, the GCF Artists began meeting regularly to support each other in developing their skills and growing in their spiritual lives. Seasoned artists Addie Cukingan and Naomi Banal talked about how they tapped opportunities to hone their talent while also serving the Lord. In December, they began gathering works that required united energy, enthusiasm, and faith from the group.

The result is “Heart in Art,” which they consider a historical event. According to the group, it is their first attempt to work as a team to communicate compassion and mercy through their works of art.

On view at ARTablado until March 31 are pieces created by professional and amateur artists from diverse backgrounds. There's an art teacher, a shoe designer, foodie/retired restaurateur, lyric soprano, homemaker/retired banker, advertising art director, export business retiree, actor-model, homeschool mom, grad student, language teacher, digital artist, and pastor. They humbly describe themselves as “ordinary people wanting to serve an Extraordinary God.”

Aside from Cukingnan and Banal, the list of participating artists include Ana Abigail Araneta, Aileen Espinosa Cura, Doris Disuanco, Flordz Perona, Gina Guerrero-Roldan, Jet Rai, Jimmy Tayag, Josiah Bien Sebastian, Ofemia Sy Tan, Rommel Yazon and Tot Ligot.

The final list of participants consists of the adult members of the group who, by joining the exhibit, are “modeling an attitude of servanthood to the younger ones,” said Richelle Joson-Ligot, the art show’s producer.

"We chose ‘Heart in Art’ to express the heartfelt gratitude of the artists to the Merciful and Compassionate God, Who is the Giver of gifts–the One Who resides in their hearts. With the theme ‘Mercy and Compassion’ because of the beneficiary in mind, each one was inspired to express a message of mercy and communicate compassion through their artwork," Richelle says.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without their own faith experiences being recipients of God’s loving kindness. His love compelled, fueled, and enabled each one to not just come up with something creative. This time, the artists put heart into their art,” Richelle added.

Proceeds from the exhibit sale will go to their beneficiary, the GCF Mercy and Operation Compassion Ministries. These ministries are expressions of GCFers to love and serve others, especially those in the marginalized sectors of the country. Some of the community development programs include medical and dental outreaches as well as livelihood assistance, among others.

The GCF Artists said it is a privilege for them to hold their first ever exhibit at ARTablado because Robinsons Galleria is their “dear Ortigas Center neighbor and so very close to their hearts.”

Asked to mention what visitors to the exhibit can look forward to, Richelle described the images on display as “reflections of the artist’s faith in the One who fills the void in his heart with the unconditional love of Christ. It is the group’s prayer that the art pieces would move the viewers to get to know the God Who sacrificially gave of Himself that we may live, and live lives that extend mercy towards others, and compassion towards ourselves.”  

Doris Disuanco, Flordz Perona and Ofemia Sy Tan all initially felt a sense of timidity to participate but as Disuanco put it, “What moved me to say yes was the opportunity to contribute to the ministry in my own little way and give thanks to God for this talent.”