13 Art Students Advance to State Competition

Hoping to put their best artwork on display, students entered their pieces into the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) last Saturday.

“It’s an opportunity for students to explain their work,” Art Teacher Dallas Williams said. “Not to just hang it on a wall, but to communicate with an educator about what they’re doing and learning.”

The event, chartered through the Texas Art Education Association, was created to recognize exemplary student achievements in visual arts through individual and original expression of ideas, applying the elements and principles of art.

“I wanted to test my skills in art and see how people have grown along the way,” senior Alex Hoben said. “VASE pushes us to the limits of what we believe is our full artistic talent, lets us see where we are with our peers, what we can improve and how we are doing.”

Participants were able to turn in their piece using a wide variety of medias.

“(Students) may turn in 2D, 3D, or digital work, it’s almost unlimited,” Williams said. “The issue is that it has to be under the direction of one of their sponsoring teachers.”

Artists met with jurors and those chosen for their individuality advanced to the state level competition.

“The purpose of VASE for me is getting a new perspective by getting interviewed when you turn in your art,” sophomore Amiri Cagnolatti said. “It’s useful to have someone tell you what you’re doing right and wrong.”

Pre-AP and AP art students were required to enter the regional competition.

“Mrs. Williams made me do VASE, but I am glad to have the chance to be competitive,” sophomore Marwa Sultani. “There are not many chances for me to compete to show off my skills in art, so this was perfect.”

At last year’s event, Hoben advanced onto the next division with two different pieces.

“Last year I submitted my dancer, Don’t Take My Sunshine Away, and a full paper piece called Galactic Sphinx made from an idea I have been working with for the past two years,” she said. “I had both pieces going to state and I got to go to San Antonio.”

There were 13 participants who advanced after the regional meet this Saturday that will move on to state competition at San Marcos High School, April 26-27.

“It would have been nice if I’d advanced but it was a cool opportunity to meet other students from all of Dallas Fort Worth nevertheless,” Sultani said. “There is always next year for me to improve and that’s really what I am here for.”