417 Hall showcases commuter creativity in art competition

Earlier this month, the commuter lounge provided kits with miniature canvases and paint supplies, encouraging commuters to turn in artwork for a week-long competition. The 417 Hall Tiny Art Show opened last Thursday, displaying four participants’ creations. In the commuter lounge, viewers can vote on which painting they like the best. Voting will close at 6 p.m. today; the winner of the competition will be awarded a $25 Amazon gift card.

This island painting by freshman Nathan Underwood has been popular among voters.

"It was good to come back from a long day of classes

and destress by using my creativity," said senior

Josh Rodriguez.

Although Evangel University is primarily a residential school, 417 Hall claims the title of EU's largest hall. Over 300 students, making up approximately 14% of the university's student body, commute to campus according to Evangel. Because commuters do not get to know each other through residential life, the 417 Hall council frequently promotes competitions and activities for commuters to mingle and develop a sense of community. Student life coordinator McKenzie Harbaugh said that students seem particularly eager to engage in creative activities. The miniature art competition was one of many activities hosted for commuters this year.

The following posts in this series will include a dive into the mind of one artistic commuter who entered the competition, as well as a discussion with 417 Hall's residence director, who coordinated the event.