God Is an Artist

Beauty in the world

by Janice Ross

Suitable for Whole School (Pri)

Aims

To consider that we can understand more about God through the beautiful things that he has made.

Preparation and materials

• You will need the PowerPoint slides that accompany this assembly (God Is an Artist) and the means to display them.

Assembly

1. Today, we are thinking about a school subject that many children enjoy. The subject is Art.
   
   Ask for a show of hands as to who likes art.
   
   
2. Establish that for many children, art means fun.
   
   Ask the children the following questions.
   
   - What do you think art is?
   - What materials do we need to create art?
   
   The children’s responses may focus on art as drawing and painting. They may suggest materials such as paper, crayons, colouring pencils, charcoal and paints.
   
   
3. Introduce the following definitions of art.
   
   - Art is any creative work of a human being.
   - Art is something that is created with imagination and skill.
   - Art can express important ideas and feelings.
   - Art is beautiful and touches our heart.
   
   Identify that this means that art is more than painting.
   
   
4. Show Slides 1 to 4. (They show images of a wedding cake, the London Eye, a Scottie dog and a piece of patterned knitting.)
   
   For each slide, consider whether, according to the definitions above, the item can be called art.
   
   - Is it a creative work? Is it beautiful?
   - Do you see imagination and skill in the making of this item?
   - What is the idea or message behind this piece of art?
   - Does this item touch any hearts?
   
   
5. Explain that an artist is someone who has the talent and skills to imagine and make something creative. Artists use paint, wood, stone, gold, flowers, wool and many other materials.

Time for reflection

God is an artist. The Bible tells us that God thought up our universe in his imagination and then spoke it into existence.

We can understand some things about God through the beautiful things that he has made.

We are going to look at some photos that were taken in Scotland.

Many people find pleasure in the works of art that God has made, so they take photos of them to share them with others.

Show Slides 5 to 8.

The Bible tells us that God made many amazing creations. After he had made everything, he said ‘That is good.’

Point out that there are lots of God’s masterpieces in the room!

Ask the children to look around and see if they can spot them.

Point out that each of us is one of God’s masterpieces.

Celebrate with the children that God’s most precious works of art are us.

Prayer
Dear God,
We thank you for all the lovely things that you have made for us to enjoy.
Thank you that these creations remind us of your beauty and goodness.
Thank you that you made each one of us different.
Thank you that you made us each special.
Amen.