Arts Showcase
What draws people to art?
Art has meaning. It was created with a purpose and a story to be shared. We all have a longing within us to connect with something meaningful and to understand our purpose. I know I did.
Flashback to three years ago. I didn’t know what my purpose was in life. I was a perfectionist trying to earn love and find my worth in achievements. My identity was wrapped up in relationships, academic success, and material possessions. I kept looking to these things to satisfy me but they never did.
In 2013 everything changed when I learned who Jesus is and what He did for me. The punishment I deserve for all the things I’ve done wrong went on Jesus on the cross, and in exchange, I get to spend eternity in heaven! Wow. God loves me that much? It’s a simple truth that can be difficult to comprehend.
Fast forward to now. I know my purpose: To love God and love others. I no longer have to find my identity in accomplishments or what others think of me. I am free, forgiven, and unconditionally loved. God has shown me that a relationship with Him is the only thing that will fulfill me and give my life meaning. Now I live for something greater than myself. This message of God’s grace is the fuel behind my paintings. I’m grateful for an opportunity to share what God has done in my life through the platform of art.
A few weekends ago I had the privilege of teaming up with other artists who have found life in Christ to showcase the way God is using us through various forms of art. My favorite part about the Arts Showcase is that the focus was not on the gifted artists or their work–it was on the Gift-Giver himself. In a culture where self-promotion is the norm, I was encouraged to see a group of young adults who are dedicated to making God’s name famous and not their own. I’m thankful to link arms with other artists who are fully living in their purpose and joyfully using their talents to point to the Master Creator. As C.S. Lewis eloquently put it, “when they are wholly His they will be more themselves than ever.”
Each painting, song, and video was designed with a meaning and a story to be shared. In the same way, God designed each of us with a purpose and has been writing our story since the beginning of time. What’s your story? Do you understand your purpose? If you’d like help answering those questions, please feel free to reach out to the team at BECOME. We’re eager to talk with you!
Until next time,
—Julie Frantantoni, Artist