99 ACADEMICS The third annual McInteer Art Competition challenged students to create a piece of art based on the themes of Jesus’ parables. Senior Jordan Slater was announced the winner in spring 2022, and her art was displayed in the Jim Bill McInteer Bible and World Mission Center beginning in fall 2022. Slater was interested in applying for the art competition the first two years it was held. The third time, however, was when she committed to entering. She said it took a long time to decide on what parable to use as inspiration. “I would say it was just out of nowhere that it hit me,” Slater said. “The parables that stood out to me were the parables of the women. I hadn’t seen anyone try to incorporate that before. I just wanted to try something a little bit different.” Slater submitted her work for the competition in the spring, and she heard later that same night that she had been named the winner. Slater Succeeds The McInteer Art Competition selects Jordan Slater as the winner. SPEAKING FOR ITSELF Senior Jordan Slater’s art is displayed in the McInteer Rotunda. The paintings reflected parables in the Bible centered around women. Photo by: Julianne Baker “I never thought that I would win,” Slater said. “I just submitted to try.” Slater immediately called her mother to tell her the news and began working on the project. It was finished over the summer. An artist talk was held on Sept. 15, 2022, to display the final work with a question-andanswer panel from the aesthetic committee for the McInteer. The committee consisted of four professors: assistant professor and director of assessment and testing Jim Berry, assistant professor of art and design Tessa Davidson, professor of Bible and ministry Kevin Youngblood and assistant professor of Bible and ministry Mac Sandlin. Together, White, Berry, Davidson, Youngblood and Sandlin hosted the competition. Sandlin said the competition was inspired by the desire to make the McInteer more aesthetically pleasing. They had the idea to turn it into an art competition, with each year bringing a new theme. “I loved the skill that was displayed,” Sandlin said. “[Slater’s] skill as an artist is really impressive.” Davidson was the only one on the committee not from the College of Bible and Ministry. Davidson said it was exciting to be part of the committee from that perspective. “Christianity has generated the most significant artwork in all of history,” Davidson said. “I’m glad we can embrace that here at Harding.” Written by: Camille White
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