• Creative Community Starts with You

    Creative Community Starts with You

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    ISSUE #024

    What if the ache you feel for creative community isn’t a problem to solve—but a clue from the Lord?

    Throughout Scripture, God stirs compassion, conviction, and holy burden before He releases assignment. Jesus was “moved with compassion” (Matt. 9:36). David felt a righteous provocation (1 Sam. 17:26). Nehemiah wept and then built (Neh. 1:4). That same stirring may be what you’re sensing right now for artists in your city—the nudge to open your home, gather a few creatives, and watch God breathe on it. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need a willing “yes.”

    This week, I’m inviting you to step into that yes—not someday, not when you feel more qualified, but now.

    Inside you is a simple, powerful seed: love Jesus, love people, make space. The Lord loves to multiply what we surrender, and I believe He’s raising up an army of artists through living rooms, studios, coffee shops, and church classrooms around the world.

    May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

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    CONNECT

    Scripture: “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd… ‘The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” — Matthew 9:36–38 (ESV)

    Devotional: God often speaks through holy burden. That longing you feel for godly creative friends isn’t just about your need; it’s a Kingdom invitation. Compassion is Heaven’s way of tapping you on the shoulder. Like David and Nehemiah, the difference wasn’t expertise—it was yes. If you’ve been waiting to be invited, consider this your invitation to be the inviter.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for stirring my heart for community. I surrender my inadequacies and receive Your grace to open a simple, safe space for artists to gather. Show me who to invite, where to meet, and how to begin. Let Your presence bring healing, joy, and boldness as we create together. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step: Take 10 minutes today to pray over three names. Text or message them an invitation to meet this week (even casually) to talk faith, art, and creative community.

    CLARIFY

    God’s assignments gain momentum when we translate burden into next steps. Clarity doesn’t mean you must design a perfect ministry; it means choosing a faithful first step. Start small. Decide a simple rhythm (weekly or bi-weekly), a place (living room, studio, church room, café), and a purpose (prayer, encouragement, creative practice, discussion).

    Reflection Prompt: What specific outcome do I want for the first gathering? (e.g., “Pray together, share our current works-in-progress, and choose a resource to go through.”) Write one sentence that defines success for meeting #1.

    Practical Action Step: Pick a day/time and location, then send a concrete invitation to 5–10 people: date, time, place, purpose, and a friendly RSVP ask. (If you need a starting point and a listing on the global map, register your group at matttommeymentoring.com/smallgroup.)

    CREATE

    Creativity thrives in community because iron sharpens iron. When artists gather, courage rises, ideas cross-pollinate, and excellence grows. The goal isn’t to perform; it’s to practice together in a safe environment where the Holy Spirit leads and craft matures.

    Scripture: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV)

    Studio Action Step: Plan one collaborative element for your first meeting—e.g., a 20-minute warm-up sketch, a shared color study, or a timed creative prompt—followed by 10 minutes of life-giving, specific feedback (what’s working, what to try next).

    CULTIVATE

    Community is also how you grow impact and income with integrity. As you gather, you’re nurturing relationships with future collectors, collaborators, and champions of your work. Share stories, process, and progress. Be findable and follow-up-able—consistently and kindly.

    Marketing Tip: Create a simple sign-in sheet (name, email, Instagram/website). After each meeting, send a short recap with 1–2 photos, a scripture, and next week’s details to keep momentum and deepen connection.

    Outreach Action: This week, personally invite one artist friend to your gathering—or simply to a conversation about starting it. Ask how your group could serve the community.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Zoom
    Why it’s great for artists: Perfect for hybrid or fully online meetups, screen-sharing WIPs, and breakout prayer/critique rooms. Record sessions for absent members and build an archive of encouragement and progress.
    Specific Tactic: Create a recurring Zoom link for the same day/time each week and enable Breakout Rooms (“Prayer & Check-In” and “Creative Critique”). Keep segments short (10–15 min) to sustain energy and give everyone a voice.
    Direct Link: https://zoom.us/

    LISTEN & WATCH

    LISTEN NOW

    In this week’s podcast, I share how God often turns holy burden into holy assignment. From Jesus’ compassion to David’s courage to Nehemiah’s tears, the biblical pattern is clear: say yes, then watch grace flow. I also tell the story of how a simple basement prayer meeting and a small Saturday gathering became the spark for a global movement of artists—and how the same can begin in your living room, studio, or coffee shop.

    Key Takeaway: You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to be willing. Say yes, set a time, invite a few creatives, and let God breathe on it.

    WATCH

    This week’s worship song couldn’t be more fitting. It’s an anthem of invitation, calling God’s Kingdom to come alive in our communities through everyday obedience and bold faith. The lyrics remind us that revival doesn’t start in grand arenas—it begins in hearts willing to say yes, in living rooms willing to open, and in small gatherings willing to pray, create, and believe together.

    As you watch and worship along with Rend Collective, let the song stir fresh courage in you. Imagine your own creative group, studio, or home becoming a seedbed for Kingdom life in your city. May this week’s worship fuel your prayer: “Lord, use me. Build Your Kingdom here.”

    FEATURED ARTIST: Wendy Michelle Davis

    Art, Community, and Saying “Yes” to God’s Gentle Nudges
    📍 Waco, Texas • 🌐 wendymichelledavis.com • IG: https://www.instagram.com/wendy_michelle_davis • 🎪 Austin Avenue Art Fair: austinavenueartfair.com

    When you meet Wendy Michelle Davis, you quickly discover two things: she’s a gifted painter—and a fearless builder of community. A full-time artist for the past four years, Wendy creates and curates spaces where artists can breathe, belong, and become. From intimate art retreats at her restful Waco property to The Austin Avenue Art Fair (now in its third year) and her Backyard Boutique Art Fair, Wendy keeps saying small, obedient “yeses” and watching God multiply them.

    “Everyone’s creative—because we’re made in God’s image. When we create, we share His attribute and find fellowship with Him.”

    A journey marked by faith and faithfulness

    Wendy’s path wasn’t a straight line. An English major and educator who lived in California and even overseas in Abu Dhabi, she always found a way to keep making art—ceramics, printmaking, painting, photography—until God opened the door for a full-time practice in Texas. During COVID, a local course through Creative Waco sparked momentum, shows followed, and her husband Rafael championed the leap into full-time art (bonus: he’s also the culinary genius behind those retreat meals guests can’t stop talking about).

    On the road, the couple travels in a toy-hauler turned tiny home + mobile studio, exhibiting at juried shows across the country and then returning to Waco to host retreats, Saturday open studios, and community events.

    Building a life that actually works

    Wendy is frank about the real business of art: there are seasons, spreadsheets, and stamina involved. She’s diversified income (shows, retreats, events, short-term rentals) and recently hired a studio assistant to free up more time for painting and client relationships.

    “I’m only one person. Focus on one or two things and do them well—then build from there. Get help when you can: an accountant, a part-time assistant, someone who loves your art.”

    A key to her sustainability? Sabbath rhythms and rest.

    “When I take time to rest and be with the Lord, it’s like I end up with more time. He’s our provider—He brings the fruit and the acceleration.”

    Why community matters (and can save a life)

    Artists often create in isolation. Wendy’s compassion for community runs deep, shaped in part by personal loss. With great tenderness, she encourages artists to find Jesus-centered community that counters the enemy’s lies with truth, prayer, and encouragement. Her retreats weave small-group shares, guest teaching, live painting, great food, and honest feedback—because breakthrough grows best in belonging.

    Saying yes to open doors

    Not every opportunity looked like a plan on paper. After a rejection from a big-name show, she noticed an available venue across the street. One email later, the Austin Avenue Art Fair was born.

    “Often, if the Lord’s leading you, the door will swing wide open the moment you knock. I never planned to run art fairs—but God had grace on it, and we just said yes.”

    A word of courage for fellow artists

    • Embrace your identity: imposter syndrome is common, but your creativity is God-given.
    • Take the next step: God rarely shows the whole map; follow the next nudge.
    • Guard your rhythms: rest, worship, and quiet with the Lord fuel the work.
    • Find your people: pursue communities that refresh faith and craft.

    Wendy often returns to Psalm 34:2–5 as a banner over her creative life: seek the Lord, boast in Him, look to Him—and become radiant. That’s the invitation she extends to artists everywhere: create with God, link arms with others, and watch Him do more with your simple “yes” than you imagined.

    Apply to Be a Featured Artist

    Would you like to be considered for one of our artist features? We love sharing the work from our friends around the world who create unique, beautiful and inspired art, regardless of creative medium. And just a reminder, your work does NOT have to be overtly faith-based to be considered. Interested? Just complete this application: https://forms.gle/vmtyk6wg3hSuUAhi9

    Resources for Christian Artists

    If you’re ready to grow as an artist in your faith, art and even business, then check out these affordable resources for artists just like you.

  • Unlocking Growth through Connection: Why Artists Need Collaboration & Community

    Unlocking Growth through Connection: Why Artists Need Collaboration & Community

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    ISSUE #016

    One of the most incredible truths we can embrace as artists is that we were never designed to walk this journey alone. From the very beginning, God created us for connection—not just with Him, but with each other. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” When we step into divine collaboration, we find strength, encouragement, and fresh vision we could never find in isolation.

    This week, we’re diving deep into what it means to build meaningful connections and collaborations as artists. Whether it’s partnering on a project, joining a critique group, or simply sharing your heart with a fellow creative friend, these relationships are often the key to breakthrough. My prayer is that you’ll open your heart to the relationships God is bringing into your life—and that you’ll see how He wants to use them to multiply your impact and joy.

    May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEKLY

    Click the button to subscribe for free to The Weekly and get an email reminder every Wednesday so you never miss an issue. 

    CONNECT

    Scripture: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)

    Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to keep going when someone is walking beside you? The Kingdom of God is all about community, and our creative lives are no exception. We are called to build each other up, encourage one another, and celebrate each other’s wins. As artists, we need people who will remind us of our identity in Christ and our creative calling when we lose sight of it.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to open my heart to the relationships You have prepared for me. Give me discernment to see the people You’ve placed in my life to help me grow creatively and spiritually. Teach me to encourage and lift others up as well. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Take 10 minutes this week to pray specifically for the artists and creative friends in your life. Ask God to show you how you can encourage or support them in a tangible way.

    CLARIFY

    God’s plans for us often involve people—divine appointments that help clarify our vision and keep us moving forward. This week, consider how your relationships align with where God is leading you. Are there people you need to reach out to, collaborations you’ve been hesitant to start, or conversations you’ve been avoiding?

    Reflect on how these partnerships could help you gain new perspective, push past creative roadblocks, and step into greater freedom. When we align our goals with God’s heart for connection, we move from striving alone to thriving together.

    Reflection Prompt:
    Which relationships in your life feel life-giving and aligned with your creative vision? Which ones need prayer, boundaries, or a renewed approach?

    Action Step:
    Make a list of 2–3 artists or creative friends you want to connect with this month. Reach out to set up a coffee, call, or creative hangout.

    CREATE

    Isolation can often make our art feel stagnant. Collaboration, however, can infuse new life into our creative practice. Whether it’s inviting another artist into your studio, sharing unfinished work for feedback, or even collaborating on a joint piece, these experiences stretch us and grow us in ways solo work never can.

    Remember, God didn’t just call us to create; He called us to create in community. Just as iron sharpens iron, one artist can sharpen another. When you open yourself to this, you’ll find unexpected inspiration, encouragement, and practical insights that can propel your work forward.

    Studio Action Step:
    Invite a trusted artist friend to visit your studio (or do a virtual studio tour) this month. Share a piece you’re working on and ask for honest, grace-filled feedback.

    CULTIVATE

    Building a thriving art business isn’t just about sales—it’s about relationships. Every collector, gallery owner, or fellow artist is a potential partner in the story God is telling through your work. When you invest in authentic connections, you build trust and open doors to opportunities you may have never imagined.

    This week, think about how you can move beyond surface-level interactions to deeper connections. Share more of your story online, comment meaningfully on a fellow artist’s post, or reach out to a past collector to thank them. Every genuine interaction plants seeds for future growth and impact.

    Outreach Action Step:
    Pick one person—an art collector, a gallery owner, or a supporter—and write them a heartfelt note or email expressing your gratitude and sharing an update on your creative journey.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Canva
    Canva is a fantastic tool that empowers you to create professional, branded designs without needing a graphic designer. From social media posts to price lists, Canva helps you present your work beautifully and consistently.

    Tip:
    This week, design a simple art price list in Canva. Include your name, contact information, and high-quality photos of your artwork. Save it as a PDF so you can easily share it with galleries, collectors, or post it online.

    INSPIRE

    Over in Beaumont, Texas, The Art Studio, Inc. (TASI) just wrapped up its Fourth Annual Gumbo Clayfest, and it’s seriously the kind of heartwarming story that reminds us why art matters. Despite tighter budgets from some usual sponsors, TASI brought together local and returning ceramicists—think Tom Belden, Chris Leonard, and Gary “Greeny” Greenberg—to celebrate clay. Dozens of potters led free public workshops, demoed wheel-throwing, and shared techniques. Kids, retirees, and everyone in between shaped bowls and mugs, learning that a lump of clay can become a vessel of connection.

    What stands out is how this festival isn’t just about selling work—it’s about nurturing new talent and reinforcing community bonds. TASI’s director, Greg Busceme, stressed that art in gatherings like this gives people a safe space to express, process emotions, and find belonging. For us as Kingdom creatives, it’s a blueprint: hosting a simple, low-cost event can spark relationships, break down barriers, and invite folks into the joy of making.

    Read the entire article.

    Takeaway: Could you host a mini studio open-house or clay-play date? Even something as casual as a “mud and mingle” afternoon can open doors for conversations about your art, your faith, and the stories we shape together.

    WORSHIP

    This powerful worship song invites us to surrender and say “yes” to Jesus in every area of our lives. As you listen, let it be a personal moment of consecration and a reminder that your creative journey begins and thrives in His presence.

    LISTEN

    Podcast Episode: Unlocking Creative Partnerships

    Listen Now

    Creative breakthrough isn’t just about what happens in your studio—it’s about the people who surround you on the journey. In this week’s episode, we explore the power of creative partnerships and why stepping out of isolation can be the key to unlocking your next level of growth.

    You’ll hear practical strategies and personal stories of artists who have stepped into collaborations and seen their work—and their spiritual lives—transform. If you’ve been trying to do it all alone, this episode is your invitation to embrace the gift of community and discover what God can do when you join forces with others.

    Key Takeaway:
    Breakthrough often comes not from grinding harder alone but from opening your life to the creative connections God has prepared for you.

    WATCH

    Sometimes as artists, we overthink everything—analyzing, striving, and trying to control every detail. But what if the breakthrough you’ve been longing for is on the other side of a simple, wholehearted “yes” to God’s creative plan?

    In this video, I share my personal story of moving from shame and striving to radical surrender, which opened the door to supernatural provision and influence far beyond what I could have imagined.

    What God did for me, He wants to do for you—and even greater. It starts with your yes. Be sure to watch and leave me a comment!

    FEATURED ARTIST: Amber Ratliff

    Whimsy, Color, and Co-Creating with the Holy Spirit
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Amber Ratliff, painting is so much more than mixing colors—it’s a sacred partnership with the Holy Spirit. Her vibrant, whimsical acrylic works overflow with joyful color, layered patterns, and hidden words of Scripture woven throughout, both visible and unseen. Each piece is an atmosphere-shifting invitation to encounter God’s heart.

    Amber’s artistic journey took a transformative turn after attending the Gathering of Artisans in 2022.

    “I had no idea what to expect,” she recalls. “But I was blown away by the Holy Spirit’s presence, the excellence, and the depth of connection with other artists. My art has never been the same since I learned to invite the Holy Spirit into the process.”

    Workshops with mentors like Aeron & Tracy Brown, Amy Smith, and Sandy Hall taught her to ask God what He wants to release in each piece, embrace mystery and imperfection, and create as an act of worship rather than striving.

    “Before GOA, I didn’t really consult God unless it was to ask Him to bless the piece. Now, it feels like a true partnership—obedience, worship, and a joy-filled connection,” she shares.

    A powerful testimony of this transformation came when Amber was working at a local gallery with her painting “Secret Place”. A guest came in, overwhelmed, and was drawn directly to her piece by the Holy Spirit. He shared how deeply it ministered to him, even falling to his knees in the gallery to weep and pray. In a moment that could only be orchestrated by God, he asked Amber to pray for him, affirming that her art was not just decoration—it was ministry.

    “I felt God remind me loudly, ‘It’s not about you!’ That encounter changed everything,” Amber recalls. “Selling the piece wasn’t the point—God was using it to accomplish His purposes.”

    As a full-time homeschool mom and co-op teacher, Amber’s creative time is precious and limited. She commits each window of time to God, asking Him to multiply it and to guide every detail.

    “It’s all about inviting Him in and remembering: it’s not about me. The pressure is off.”

    Her encouragement to other artists?
    🎨 “Take time to invite the Holy Spirit into every session—it’s a game changer! And remember: it’s not about you. Just be obedient and trust Him.”

    Amber’s art is now shown regularly in a local gallery, and she connects monthly with a group of local Christian artists for prayer, critique, and fellowship—a lifeline of community and growth.

    Through every playful shape, vibrant layer, and hidden Scripture, Amber Ratliff’s work radiates the joy and freedom of co-creating with God—an open invitation to encounter His love and creativity in living color.

    Apply to Be a Featured Artist

    Would you like to be considered for one of our artist features? We love sharing the work from our friends around the world who create unique, beautiful and inspired art, regardless of creative medium. And just a reminder, your work does NOT have to be overtly faith-based to be considered. Interested? Just complete this application: https://forms.gle/vmtyk6wg3hSuUAhi9

    This Issue Sponsored By The Created to Thrive Foundations Course

    Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to step fully into your creative calling? Maybe you’ve been waiting for the “perfect moment” to start—but let me tell you, there’s no better time than right now to take that first step.

    The Created to Thrive Foundations Course is your roadmap to transformation—spiritually, creatively, and professionally. Through powerful teachings, practical strategies, and faith-filled encouragement, you’ll learn how to overcome fear, break free from limiting mindsets, and align your creative life with God’s divine design for you.

    I’ve seen hundreds of artists move from confusion and frustration to clarity and freedom by diving into these foundational truths—and I know you can too.

    👉 Start your journey of transformation now.

    Resources for Christian Artists

    If you’re ready to grow as an artist in your faith, art and even business, then check out these affordable resources for artists just like you.