​What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock?
I'd been "breaking through", winning awards, selling my large paintings for over $1000. Six mos. before joining the Matt's mentoring group, I dropped it all to be a caregiver, prayer warrior, & patient advocate for my husband to survive a life threatening health challenge. As he began to mend, I was personally bankrupt. I joined this mentoring group and was healed physically immediately. I felt & SAW myself in the flow of the river of God that is this creative mentoring ministry.

What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for? 
I was thirsty for life and was drawn to drink of the living water here. Also, I was excited to think I could make an income from painting.

Since becoming a member, how has your life changed? How have you experienced breakthrough? 

Before joining, my painting and my life were very introverted, insulated, and safe. I used to be very quiet and shy. Now? I've found my voice! I'm a work in progress, but I'm much more outgoing, scheduling and organizing art events as a board member of a large art organization, sometimes writing, and my artwork is bolder & morphing. I thought I joined the program to learn how to make my art into a business. I bumped hard into Him, as He is interested in my heart, not my bank balance.

What's been your biggest "Aha Moment" that was a real gamechanger for you while in the program?
The 2017 GOA event was the game changer for me. I went scared and timid but emerged confident, joyful, more determined, and free! My husband attended, also, and was totally restored physically, emotionally, and spiritually to better health than his pre-health challenge status! Praise be to God!!!

What would you say to encourage other artists who are currently in the Artist Mentoring Program along their journey? To artists considering becoming members?
Matt is called to mentor and help artists grow into God's purposes for us. Each artist is responsible for his/her forward progress, with the freedom to set one's own pace according to His purposes. Most beneficial is the focus on creating art from the heart, the heart increasingly attuned to the source of creativity, our Creator God. Matt's ministry is one of God's big keys in this season for the release of heaven into the earth-realm through the arts.

What's on your horizon? What are you dreaming of and moving toward in this next season?
I dream of greater release of God's creativity into & through my painting in the next six months. I'm learning better time management so I can be more involved with encouraging others, sharing excitement about painting, and sharing the love and power of Christ's love through it all.

Find out more about Mary and her artwork at ​http://www.maryedwardswatercolors.com/

Olivia Alexander is an award-winning, Australian acrylic / mixed-media artist and has been a part of the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program for over 4 months. This is her story...

What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock?
I’d experienced moderate success both locally and internationally but had come into period of frustration financially and in my career direction. We also moved interstate and I had to begin connecting and networking all over again.

What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for?
I felt incredibly isolated and alone. I had no one to ask career advice from and felt close to quitting. I was looking for a supportive group of likeminded people as well as a mentor with God’s perspective on creative ministry and business.

Since becoming a member, how has your life changed? How have you experienced breakthrough?
Within one day of being in the group things began to change. I had felt like I couldn’t continue the Art career journey but within a short time the fog began to clear. My faith level has risen. I now realise that I was trying to make my art business a ministry which was creating confusion in me. I’m learning how to find my clients in a targeted way.

What's been your biggest "Aha Moment" that was a real gamechanger for you while in the program?
Learning what my Unique Selling Proposition is. Then using that to work out where my buyers are. Doing the 21 day Road to Breakthrough and Artist Inventory was a challenge but an incredible game changer for me too.

What would you say to encourage other artists who are currently in the Artist Mentoring Program along their journey? To artists considering becoming members?
Just keep going but at the pace you need to. Don’t feel pressure to rush. We are all different and at different stages. The Lord’s yoke is light not heavy. If you’re thinking about joining and you’re serious about your art, then take the plunge. It’s worth every cent and more! I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of info available in this program!

What's on your horizon? What are you dreaming of and moving toward in this next season?
Establishing myself in my new state of Queensland. Also starting workshops from my new big studio. The income from that will enable me to solo exhibit again and continue more international work.

Find out more about Olivia at OliviaAlexanderArt.com