To my fellow artists: don’t just paint what people see — paint what people feel but don’t know how to express.

Sometimes I don’t have the right words to pray… So I paint. Every brushstroke becomes surrender. Every color becomes worship. Every mistake becomes a reminder that God still creates beauty from what feels messy. Art isn’t just expression for me — it’s connection. It’s where I lay down my stress, my questions, my burdens… and pick up peace. When I paint, I’m not just making something to look at. I’m building an altar — a place where heaven and earth meet. If you’re an artist here, I want to encourage you: Your creativity is not random. It’s a gift, a calling, and sometimes even a prayer. What does your art help you release? 💭🎨 — Jody

A visual altar of surrender and renewal — where closed eyes symbolize rest in God, the flowing colors echo the movement of the Spirit, and the butterfly rises as a sign of transformation. This expressionist piece invites the viewer into a moment of healing, reminding us that art can become a place of encounter, restoration, and quiet deliverance. This original photo was captured by my lovely wife.

🌿Welcome to AltARt — a creative space where art becomes an altar. This community exists to give you permission to create without pressure, perform without comparison, and express without explanation. Here, art is not about skill level or perfection; it’s about honesty, presence, and release. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or returning to art after a long pause, you belong here. To begin: Introduce yourself in the comments Share what brought you to AltARt If you’d like, tell us one word that describes how you’re feeling today You don’t need the right supplies. You don’t need the right words. Just show up as you are. Welcome — Joseph Odom Founder & Facilitator, AltARt Where Art Becomes an Altar