Worship is an integral part of the culture at WCS. We’re excited to share how our students worship God at school for the next few weeks, beginning with creativity. WCS recognizes creativity as a powerful means of glorifying God. Our students use visual arts to praise and worship God through painting and creating works that embody faith, hope, and love. Every brushstroke and design serves as a testament to the beauty of God’s creation.
WCS art teacher Ms. Keese and one of our talented AP art students, Alexis, recently shared their unique experiences of using their gifts and talents to worship God.
A Discussion with Ms. Keese
Q. How do you see art as a way to worship God?
A. Art allows me to worship God in everything. It’s not just a class credit needed to graduate. Art is the world we live in. God is the ultimate creator. All we need to do is look around. He gives us lots of subjects, and what He made is beautiful.
Q. What does it look like when faith and creativity come together in your classroom?
A. I teach my students not to say, “I can’t.” At the beginning of the school year, students often ask how I can expect them to be able to draw something. However, as the year progresses, we work on techniques, and they begin to see they can do them. Their faith grows as they see that they truly can believe in themselves and learn to draw.
Q. Can you share a time when a student created something that reflected their faith?
A. We create Christmas cards for our school to send each year. For some students, this is the first time they thoroughly examine the story of Baby Jesus and what Christmas is all about. Our Christmas cards reflect our faith and values at WCS, whether it’s the story of Baby Jesus or the characteristics by which we strive to live in unity, peace, and harmony with one another.
Q. Have you seen students grow spiritually through their artwork?
A. I’ve seen students grow spiritually through their artwork and because they’re in a loving Christian community here. When we show God’s love, we nurture their faith.
Q. What do you say to a student who loves God but doesn’t think they are creative?
A. If you think you aren’t creative, I don’t want you to worry. Every student can learn techniques and how to draw. The Bible tells us that we can do more than we think or imagine through Him. You can ask God for anything, and little by little, step by step, you’ll gain confidence in yourself.
Using Gifts to Draw Closer to God: An Interview with Alexis
Q. How does your faith show up in your artwork?
A. My faith is fairly extensive in my art, even though I’m not strictly creating Christian or biblical scenes. Still, everything I do is very much based in nature, the people God has created, and the overall world. I believe He has given us a desire to interact and create through our own artwork.
Q. Do you ever feel like you’re worshipping while you’re creating?
A. I would say that art and exercising the talents God has given me is a form of worship. It’s a unique experience of peace and fulfillment, knowing that I’m doing something God gave me the unique ability to do and, therefore, wants me to do. It’s a very pleasant experience.
Q. How has being at WCS helped you use art more deeply?
A. At a smaller school, I get very personalized attention with my artwork, which has been a major help. Here, you get to be seen as an individual and respected for whatever your own desires and creative inclinations may be. I feel like I’ve been given specific chances to enter contests and participate in classes that I might not otherwise have been able to experience.
Q. What would you say to another student who wants to use their creativity for God, but doesn’t know where to start?
A. We can serve God by acknowledging what he has given us and finding a way to use it to glorify Him and share His love with other people. If you’re good at art or passionate about it, find what interests you and work on making yourself a better artist. You’ll be amazed by how much closer it draws you to God.
