Dordt freshman Ashley Torner has been selected to compete in the People’s Artist Competition, reflecting both her emerging artistic talent and the strong mentorship within Dordt’s close-knit art community.
Ashley Torner, a freshman art major at Dordt University from Mankato, Minnesota, has been accepted into the People’s Artist Competition, a global competition that highlights emerging artists from around the world.
Torner discovered the opportunity through social media and initially hesitated to apply. “At first I didn’t even apply,” she says. “I thought it was too big of a thing—that I wouldn’t be able to compete at that level.” After seeing continued promotions, she decided to submit her work.
Applicants are selected based on submitted artwork, personal essays, and artistic vision. Torner provided images of her work along with written reflections on her creative process and inspiration. Shortly after, she received word that she had been selected to compete.
The competition includes a $25,000 grand prize, an exhibition in Los Angeles, and a feature in a prominent art publication. Torner says she is grateful for the opportunity. “I didn’t even expect to be selected to compete at all,” she says. “It’s exciting to see where it goes.”
After sharing the news with Dordt faculty during an art show, Torner says her professors encouraged her to take the opportunity seriously and share it with others. Their response, she says, reflects the close-knit nature of Dordt’s art program.
“I wanted to be part of an art program that reflects Christian values,” she says. “That’s something that really sets Dordt apart.”
To vote for Torner’s work, visit https://peoplesartist.org/2026/ashley-torner.
Torner’s artistic style has moved from realism to impressionistic painting and colored pencil work, allowing her to better communicate emotion and story. “To me, art is about expression and storytelling,” she explains. “I love creating work that has meaning and feeling behind it.”
Her faith plays a central role in that work. “As a Christian, creating art is where I feel closest in fellowship to God,” she says. “It’s my way of sharing my life with others and glorifying Him.”
She draws inspiration from both creation and community. “When I see a sunrise, the mountains, or even people’s faces, I see God’s creativity,” she says. “That brings me peace and joy.”
Voting for the competition will take place in multiple rounds, with participants advancing based on public support.
Torner hopes to advance to the top 20—a milestone she says would already be meaningful.
“If I had the opportunity to use my voice in that space,” she adds, “I would want to encourage more faith-centered perspectives in art.”
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Dordt University will celebrate its 2026 commencement on May 8 with undergraduate and graduate ceremonies, featuring addresses by Dr. Tom Clark and Donald Roth and available via livestream.
Ruth Visser is recognized for excelling academically and musically at Dordt while balancing a demanding schedule, crediting supportive faculty for her growth.
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