The Student Association (SA) is hosting an art competition to promote recycling. The first stage of the contest will end on March 26.

The idea for the competition came from a student who suggested creating a mural out of recycled material to help increase environmental awareness on campus, according to senior Curt Baker, SA treasurer.

The competition is run by Baker, senior Davis Nossaman, SA vice president and Greg Clayton, associate professor of Art and Design. The competition annoucement was made during chapel on Feb. 26.

“Since recycling and environmental awareness is something we want to encourage, the two pieces fit together,” Baker said.

Clayton, who is involved in consultation about the competition, said that he does not know if there will be a prize.

“The SA is aiming for a broad campus involvement, especially for a greater awareness of our consumerism, a greater stewardship of creation and a more dynamic campus,” Clayton said.

The remaining stages of the competition will last throughout the spring semester. Students are encouraged to enter with a possibility of the student body voting on a mural during the last week of the semester.

“The competition is open to everyone,” Clayton said, “Ideas are the key to the first stage. The second stage will involve creating a more detailed concept.”

Freshman Hannah Ceraso is interested in the meaning behind the competition.

“Although the issue of recycling is well known, it is often not dealt with,” Ceraso said. “We at Harding need to do our part to not just raise awareness but act on the problem at hand.”

Ceraso does not plan to enter the competition, but she is excited by the plan.

“We want people to be aware of their footprint,” Baker said. “We want them to consider their daily activities and to work to reduce waste. If the SA can be a part of encouraging that culture among the Harding family, I’d call that a success.”

The first stage of the competition includes a submission of a photographed or scanned copy of sketches, diagrams or notes on a 30 by 40 board and should be submitted via PDF or Word document. The piece should include the artist’s name and contact information, a campus location, the materials that are required, the dimensions and a connection to environmental awareness.

To enter a mural or ask questions about the competition, email sa@harding.edu.