McInteer Art Competition

Bible and Ministry

The College of Bible and Ministry is pleased to announce the sixth annual McInteer Art Competition. This year’s theme is "Trees in the Bible." Students are asked to design a series of 3-5 original compositions highlighting the significance and symbolism of trees in scripture.

The winner receives a $2000 cash prize upon completion of the final series and up to $500 to cover the cost of supplies. The student will have three months to complete the series: 3-5 large-scale panels (scale discussed and approved by the committee). Upon completion of the series, there will be a reception and an Artist Q&A for the Harding community. The final pieces will be added to the collection of the McInteer Bible and World Missions Building.

Any 2D media are welcomed (painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed-media, and collage). Be bold with the art concept as you contemporize these ideas. Think how both the idea and look of it will age. Will the concept and visual language still communicate effectively in 20 years?

To enter, submit 3-5 original designs of the proposals created digitally or by hand. The designs are a small-scale version of the final images and should be detailed enough to demonstrate your artistic vision.

Students must email the 3-5 designs to the Aesthetics Committee at McInteerart@harding.edu as a JPG or PDF by April 18, 2025. Design concepts must be original and use of AI-generated images is forbidden and will not be considered for this competition.

The Aesthetics Committee will evaluate designs based on the following criteria:

Would these designs harmonize and relate to the space (McInteer Building and classrooms)
Do the designs reflect the spiritual symbolism of the trees and relate to the theological emphasis and scriptural context?
Do the designs demonstrate strong craftsmanship and technical facility?
Are the designs elegant, balanced, and harmonious, and utilize effective design principles?
Do the designs demonstrate creativity and originality?
Are the designs interesting and engaging?

McInteer Art Competition

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