Recent Indiana Wesleyan University Illustration alum Morgan Coppel ’22 is creating a series of six paintings for Quest Community Church—Coppel’s church home in Indian Lake, Ohio. The series, titled “The Great Commission,” depicts several biblical stories that demonstrate what it means to be a servant of Jesus.
The overall concept for the project was inspired by Quest’s mission statement, “Go where God calls us to go, to do what we are sent to do, make disciples”.
“I wanted to convey a message and reflect the character of the church at the same time,” said Coppel. “I decided to choose stories in the Bible that I think capture both who we are as a church and who we should strive to be in the mission of furthering God’s kingdom.”
Three of the six 4-by-2-foot acrylic paintings will depict this type of narrative element. The featured Bible stories will be:
- Jesus washing the feet of the disciples (John 13)
- The feeding of the 5,000 (Matt. 14:13)
- Jesus forgiving the woman caught in adultery (John 8)
“I think these stories are perfect examples of how we as Christians should love and spread the Gospel,” said Coppel. “Through Jesus’ actions, we see examples of how to serve others, humble ourselves, give, have faith, meet others where they are, and forgive.”
The other three paintings will display the words of the church’s mission statement.
So far, Coppel has completed two of the paintings, which were a part of her senior exhibit. She will complete the remaining pieces over the next few months.
“At my senior show, I loved hearing how my paintings impacted others,” said Coppel. “My goals in creating these pieces were met just knowing that people were moved when they saw them and understood what I was trying to convey.”
“Morgan's paintings combine medium and message,” said Keith Lowe, assistant professor of art. “She has applied powerful tools of visual narrative, in particular her use of color, composition, and body language. I’m very proud of Morgan and excited about what God has in store for her future.”
IWU’s Division of Art + Design brings the quality instruction of a professional art and design school while remaining faithful and obedient to Christ-centered learning. From well-equipped studio environments to mentor-focused professors, IWU’s art programs are committed to intentionally walking alongside students as they develop as artists, designers and followers of Christ.
“IWU has equipped me in every way,” said Coppel. “My courses not only taught me techniques, but also the business side of art. I learned what it means to have an art career and how to navigate that after school. My time at IWU has been the most valuable time of my life as an artist and as a Christian.”
For more information on IWU’s Division of Art + Design, visit www.indwes.edu/undergraduate/division-of-art-and-design/.