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Insights & Inspiration

The Carrot Top Studio blog is where art, faith, and storytelling meet. We share reflections, creative sparks, and behind-the-scenes glimpses to inspire your journey—whether you're an artist, spiritual leader, or curious soul.

Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Books for the Lenten Journey: Meaningful Reads for Reflection and Renewal

For those seeking a deeper connection between art and faith during Lent, our curated list of books offers a beautiful blend of reflection, inspiration, and visual storytelling. Featuring works like Prayer: Forty Days of Practice by Scott Erickson and Lenten Meditations by James Janknegt, these books invite readers to explore spiritual growth through the lens of art. Each one combines powerful imagery with thoughtful reflections, offering a unique way to engage with the Lenten season. Whether you're looking for a personal devotional or a resource for your congregation, these books provide the perfect balance of visual art and faith-based meditation. Explore our recommendations and enrich your Lenten journey with these thoughtfully crafted works.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Adorning (or Unadorning) Worship Spaces for Lent: Creating a Visual Connection to the Season

Creating a meaningful worship environment during Lent helps guide congregations through this season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. Whether through simplified altar designs, symbolic visuals like ashes and thorns, or interactive prayer stations, church leaders can use their worship space to deepen the Lenten journey. Some churches embrace minimalist decor, removing floral arrangements and dimming lighting, while others incorporate intentional symbols like purple drapery, stones, or the cross. These visual changes not only enhance worship services but also prepare hearts for the joy of Easter. Explore creative ways to adorn (or unadorn) your sanctuary, altar, or sacred spacefor Lent in this post.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Using Public Domain Art in Church Worship: Inspiring Visuals for Bulletin Covers and Screens

As Lent draws near, it’s an opportunity to deepen our worship experience through both word and image. One powerful way to enhance the Lenten season is by incorporating art into worship services. Public domain art offers a wealth of visual resources—ranging from classical masterpieces to lesser-known gems—that can elevate our reflections on the themes of Lent. In this post, we’ll explore how to use public domain art in worship, particularly on bulletin covers or church screens. We’ll also highlight three impactful works of art that can inspire reflection, prayer, and contemplation during this sacred season.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Visual Connections in Worship: Cultivating Quiet Reflections During Lent

As we enter the sacred season of Lent, a hushed reverence settles over the church—a time of quiet introspection and spiritual depth. In this unique period, the power of visual connections in worship becomes a profound avenue for fostering quiet reflection. Read this blog post to be inspired for Lenten worship.

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