Creative Couple Uses Art to Equip, Heal & Inspire: An Interview with Stephen & Tricia Preston
Send us a textIn this powerful episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with long-time friends Stephen and Tricia Preston, a creative couple whose lives are a beautiful example of artistry, ministry, and Kingdom impact working hand-in-hand. From running multiple creative ventures to hosting a thriving conference for artists in their church community, the Prestons have spent decades inspiring and equipping others to step boldly into their God-given creativity.We talk about the joys and challenges of being a married creative team, how God has provided and guided their steps through seasons of transition, and why building authentic community is essential for artists who want to thrive spiritually, creatively, and relationally.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Stephen & Tricia blend artistry, ministry, and entrepreneurshipThe role of community in overcoming self-doubt and isolationTrusting God for provision in your creative callingPractical ways to gather and empower creatives in your church or cityLessons from launching and leading a creativity-focused conference🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:“Being an artist is a walk of faith — you’re trusting God for inspiration, provision, and the courage to keep going.” — Tricia Preston “In community, we breathe life into each other and silence the lies of inadequacy.” — Matt Tommey “Our gifts aren’t just for ourselves — they’re meant to be shared, multiplied, and used to build the Kingdom.” — Stephen Preston🌐 Connect with Stephen & Tricia Preston:https://socialart.cahttps://funtasticalstudios.comhttps://jubileestratford.com/creativity/✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoringFind out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly EncouragementJoin thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose. Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist. 👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.
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A Wakeup Call: Why Your Art is Needed Now!
Send us a textThe tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken many to their core, leaving artists wondering about their role in a world where truth-tellers face violent opposition. This watershed moment demands a response from those called to create in God's kingdom.When darkness descends and voices are silenced, our natural instinct might be to retreat into safety and silence. Yet throughout history, persecution has never diminished the gospel—it has amplified it. As Acts 8:4 reminds us, "those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word." The early church didn't hunker down in fear but scattered boldly, carrying truth into new territories.Your creative expression isn't merely a hobby or pastime—it's a strategic weapon in God's hands against the powers of darkness. When the enemy targets truth-tellers, seeking to silence their voice, our response must be to multiply that voice through our own creative gifts. Your art matters profoundly in this moment, whether it speaks truth explicitly or embeds it within beauty and mystery.This isn't a call to belligerence or confrontation for its own sake, but to stand firm in five essential ways: First, recognize your art as a weapon in God's hands, not a trivial pastime. Second, reject fear as a lie—create boldly as an act of defiance against the spirit of fear. Third, understand that pushback proves your assignment—if you're facing resistance, your light is making a difference. Fourth, remember that truth wrapped in love is never hate, regardless of how culture labels it. Finally, take heart knowing Christ is with you in the battle—rejection isn't failure but confirmation you're advancing the kingdom.The world needs Christian artists who respond to radical violence not with more violence, but with radical love expressed through radical creativity. As darkness deepens, light becomes more visible and powerful. This is our moment to link arms with each other and with the Holy Spirit, lifting the creative candle of our lives to illuminate a path toward God's kingdom.What will you create today that brings heaven to earth? The world is waiting for your voice.Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly EncouragementJoin thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose. Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist. 👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.
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Discover Why Timing Matters in Every Artist's Journey: An Interview with Debbie Gallerani
Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with Tucson-based artist Debbie Gallerani, whose work spans whimsical sculpture, mixed media, and a rich background as a professional cartoonist. From her charming bed and breakfast, La Casa Del Artista, to art shows across the country, Debbie’s life is a colorful blend of creativity, hospitality, and ministry.Debbie opens up about her early dreams of becoming a syndicated cartoonist, the setbacks and detours she faced along the way, and how God’s faithfulness has carried her through seasons of challenge and change. We talk about the power of perseverance, the joy of creating art that brings delight, and the importance of sharing your faith through your creative life.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Debbie’s early passion for cartooning shaped her unique styleFinding joy in whimsical, hope-filled artworkBuilding creative community through hospitality and artTrusting God’s timing through life’s setbacksWays to naturally share your faith with those who encounter your art🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:“I’ve always been an artist, but it’s taken a lifetime of twists and turns to get to where I am now—and I wouldn’t trade the journey.” — Debbie Gallerani “When you open your home and your heart to people, creativity flows in both directions.” — Matt Tommey “God made us to create. Every time we use our gifts, we reflect His heart to the world.” — Debbie Gallerani🌐 Connect with Debbie Gallerani: https://www.debbiegalleraniart.com/✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoringFind out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly EncouragementJoin thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose. Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist. 👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.
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Is Your Desire for Community a SECRET Sign to Start an Art Group?
Send us a textThat burning desire for artistic community you've been feeling? It might be more than just a personal longing—it could be a divine calling on your life.In this heart-stirring episode, Matt Tommey challenges listeners to consider a revolutionary idea: the very community you've been searching for might be the one God is calling you to create. Rather than waiting for an invitation or disqualifying yourself with excuses about lack of expertise or resources, what if your burden for connection is actually evidence of a calling?Drawing from powerful biblical examples like David, Nehemiah, and Esther, Matt illustrates how God consistently works through people who recognize a burden and respond with a simple "yes." He vulnerably shares his own journey, beginning with a 3:09 AM divine wake-up call in 2009 that seemed impossible at the time. Starting with just a few couples gathering in his basement, that humble beginning has now grown into a global movement impacting thousands of artists.The beauty of starting a creative community lies in its simplicity. You don't need specialized training or perfect circumstances—just a willingness to open your home, studio, or meet at a local café. These gatherings create sacred spaces where healing happens, calling is discovered, and transformation occurs. What if your living room could be where someone reconnects with their divine purpose or even encounters God for the first time?Ready to join this global movement of creative communities? Visit https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/smallgroup to register your group and access resources to help you get started. Take that courageous first step—the artists in your area have been waiting for someone just like you to say yes.Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly EncouragementJoin thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose. Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist. 👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.
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Saying YES to God Transformed This Artist's Life & Community: An Interview with Wendy Michelle Davis
Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with Texas-based artist Wendy Michelle Davis, whose creativity flows from her deep faith and her love for building authentic community among artists. From her booth at the Cottonwood Festival to the vibrant art scene in Waco, Wendy shares her journey of discovering her artistic voice, overcoming challenges, and stepping into her God-given calling.We explore how she integrates her walk with the Lord into every piece she creates, why she’s passionate about helping other artists thrive, and the ways community can become a powerful catalyst for creativity and Kingdom impact. If you’ve ever felt alone in your art journey or wondered how to blend faith, artistry, and community, Wendy’s story will deeply encourage you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Wendy found her unique artistic style and voiceThe role of community in an artist’s growth and successIntegrating faith naturally into your creative practicePractical encouragement for artists navigating seasons of change🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:“We’re creators because we’re made in His image. God wants us to be creative—it’s part of who He is, and it’s a beautiful gift we get to explore with Him.” — Wendy Michelle Davis “Community is such a catalyst for creativity. When artists come together, something powerful happens.” — Matt Tommey🌐 Connect with Wendy Michelle Davis: https://www.wendymichelledavis.com/✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoringFind out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly EncouragementJoin thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose. Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist. 👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.
The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast helps Christian artists grow in faith, creativity, and income as Spirit-led creatives in God’s Kingdom.Hosted by internationally recognized Christian artist, mentor, entrepreneur and author Matt Tommey, this show equips you to overcome fear, renew your mind, and build a thriving art business rooted in your creative calling.Each week, you’ll get real-life stories, practical teaching, and encouraging insight on topics like prophetic art, faith and creativity, marketing your art, hearing God’s voice, renewing your mind and selling your work with confidence.Whether you’re a hobbyist, emerging professional, or established creative, you’ll be empowered to align with God’s purpose, create from wholeness, and prosper with Kingdom impact.Subscribe now and join thousands of Kingdom artists discovering breakthrough, alignment, and abundance through their creative calling.
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