This is a developing concept, only in its beginning stages. But it is on the level of 'epic' and 'gift'.
First of all, art has many meanings. I admit I set out to give the definitions of art that I would not be condiering, but ended up with a progression from simple to a more full definition, the end of which I am concerned with.
a) A representation of reality. Most early paintings simply described what they saw.
b) This may be expanded to include the realities that are less seen, such as broad human concepts like war. This is more the realm of modern art.
c) a or b may be a declaration or statement of the way thing are in order to get people to change their behavior to align with reality.
d) A representation of the way things ought to be, which is suppose is still a representation of reality. For something innate in reality determines the way things ought to be. In fact, c is a call to align the world with its intended pattern.
e) A pursuit and perfection of the ways things ought to be. Such as an athletic art (this is an uncommon definition), which seeks perfection in the intended/perfect condition of the human body.
d) A manifestation or expansion of reality, a dive into some strain of the many facets of reality. This is creativity. Note that the first phrose makes it creative, but the second restricts it somewhat. You can create a new/creative looking table, for instance, but if it falls apart in a week then it is not really in line with reality, for it has mistakes in it. Does this make sense?
Anyway, this last thing is Gods primary activity, I think. In the beginning, God CREATED. This is also one of the primary ways we are made in his image.
I say 'one of the ways', because although the concept of art is strong, I'll bet it is usurped in importance by love, which is closely related.
Here, a ton of overlap: Creativity creates art, which reflects reality/is congruent and cohesive with reality/is beautiful. Love is the active form of giving, repairing/healing (although we won't need this in heaven), creating, and relfecting, adding to (put a flower in her hair), appreciating (my you look wonderful today), and partaking in (mutual love which includes sex obviously but has plenty of platonic manifestations as well) the beauty in another person, who is a work of art. Love comes from both God and man/woman to God (for we love God but God also loves himself), specific other men/women (in marriage, say), and to men/women in general (love your neighbor as yourself).
Note 1:God created us, created the universe, designed us in his image to create, continues to 'create' us by loving us and working out our kinks. We will continue to create full-speed in heaven with much more God-given creative power.
Note 2: I might give art/beauty to woman entirely, the strength and resources that make it possible to man, and creativity to them together. (manifestation: children and the general productivity/usefulness of married units)
