Duke Staff Member Gets Applause for Talent Beyond the Job

Environmental Services staffer Brandon Evans was stunned by a heartfelt celebration of his mural art and team spirit

Three women in scrubs and a man in a button-down shirt stand in a hallway, as the man hugs one of the women
During a staff gathering in Duke University Hospital's Perianesthesia Department, Amy Herman, center left, presents co-worker Brandon Evans with a framed article announcing that his artwork was selected for an award. Photo by Travis Stanley

When Brandon Evans was urgently called to the break room at Duke University Hospital’s Perianesthesia Department one day in March, he figured it just needed a good dusting. Evans couldn’t think of any other reason for the sudden request as he was led down the hallway by his supervisor.

But as the door opened, he saw several of his co-workers – fellow Environmental Services employees and nurses who interact with him daily as he goes about cleaning rooms and common areas – waiting for him.

They cheered and called out, “Congratulations!” as the standard flurry of activity in adult pre-op continued around them.

“You are amazing, we love you and we’re proud of you,” said Amy Herman, a Clinical Nurse in Perianesthesia. “We’re just so proud of you for all the work you’re doing – and we love your artwork.”

Herman handed Evans a rectangular package wrapped in brown paper. When he unfurled it, he saw the article he had shared with his co-workers just a couple weeks earlier from his hometown paper in Henderson, announcing his winning entry for the best mural design for the Chestnut Street Park Beautification Project. A gift card to Michaels to help pay for art supplies was tucked inside a card.

A man holds a painting of a mural design
Brandon Evans holds his mural design at the basketball court in Henderson where it will be painted. Photo courtesy of Amy Herman
A man and a woman stand as the woman holds a painting of an orange tabby cat
Brandon Evans poses with Clinical Nurse Kellie Coles and the portrait of her cat that he painted. Photo courtesy of Amy Herman
A painting of a cow in a kitchen
A painting that Brandon Evans created for co-worker Elena Galang for her kitchen. Photo courtesy of Amy Herman

“Oh, wow! That’s so cool!” Evans exclaimed. “I’m filled with gratitude, just filled with gratitude.”

It was one small way for his co-workers to show that Evans is appreciated for his friendly nature, that his talent as an artist is valued and that every member of the team in Perianesthesia is like family.

Brandon Evans shows off his framed article to co-workers after they surprised him with a coffee and donuts celebration. Photo by Travis Stanley

“He’s just an all-around great guy, super-good at what he does and always willing to help,” Herman said. “He’s a really good part of our team and everyone loves him.”

When Evans started working for Duke about a year ago and slowly shared with co-workers his art hobby, they asked him to share photos. The admiration of the vibrant and colorful images on his cellphone and TikTok account turned into requests for commissioned work in a style he calls “abstract near realism, mixed with cartoonish.”

This story came to Working@Duke from Amy Herman, who said co-worker Brandon Evans is "a humble and gracious person." Click this or the star above and share your story idea with us.

Clinical Nurse Kellie Coles asked for a painting of her orange tabby cat while Clinical Nurse Elena Galang received a custom painting of a cow in chef’s attire for her kitchen.

His winning submission for a mural to be painted on his hometown’s outdoor basketball court includes images iconic to the town about 40 minutes north of Durham: a well-known water tower in town, a depiction of Vance County High School and the Vance County flag.

“I feel like my art’s finally getting out there, and I'm kind of leaving a mark on my hometown,” Evans said.

Said Herman: “His work is really good, and I don’t think he realizes how good he is.”

But for one day last month, his co-workers wanted to make sure he knew.

“I'm very surprised,” Evans said. “Even before this gift, I feel appreciated by the nurses and staff. They're pretty cool.” 

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