Texas high schools participate annually in VASE (Visual Art Scholastic Event). The event was first held in 1994, with 400 pieces entered.  

It has since grown into a conglomerate student-museum, with the number of entries hitting 35,000 at a minimum every year.  

Since the start of the pandemic, those who run the event have had to change it to an entirely virtual one. This will be the second year the event is held online.

“To be honest, COVID has helped sort of streamline the process,” said Art teacher Julian Vidales. “I kind of like it, you guys receive everything through an email, you get a link, you can type it up there in the form.” 

Each of the 29 regions that VASE is a part of allows eligible students to be entered in exchange for recognition, prizes, and even scholarships. 

VASE judges pieces based on the elements and principles of art. Visual components of color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value are placed above all else.  

“I’m looking for creativity, but also that high level of technical skill, their use of texture, value all that stuff,” said Vidales. “It gives me the confidence that they’re going to do well in the art competition.” 

This ensures that the best prize that can be received, the golden seal, is given only to pieces with great creativity and dynamism. 

“At first it was really hard because, you can look at like other people’s work from past winners and everything so it’s hard to not compare yourself,” said senior Vivianna Nevarez. “But I think mainly keeping your own personality and style in your art is something that helps block that out/” 

Students are asked by their teacher if they would like to enter their work into the competition.  

“I first learned about VASE sophomore year because of a class assignment, of a boot and skull drawing,” said Nevarez. “My teacher thought I did really well, so he decided he wanted to put me in it.” 

VASE allows talented and determined artists to get their work into the public eye, where they are judged and displayed, in a manner not unlike authentic art shows. These conditions give them experiences that will help them potentially see art as a possible profession.  

“It’s the closest thing we have in art to a UIL contest,” stated Vidales. “They can use that feedback and apply it to their future work, and it just makes them an all-around better artist for it.” 

The final day for submission and certification is Feb. 22.