The Visual Arts Scholastic Events, referred to as VASE, are sponsored by the Texas Art Education Association and seek to recognize exemplary student achievement in the Visual Arts. Last weekend the state event was held in San Marcus showcasing the culminative diligence and creative genius of art students across the state.  

There were more than 33,000 works of art entered in the VASE competition, and 2,342 of those pieces qualified for the state competition. At the state event, 1,418 works of art received a Rating IV — Exemplary and a state medal. 

Frenship High School had 11 students qualify for state with 12 works of art. Seven works of art from Frenship students were awarded a top rating and a state medal. These students include Trinty Harding for painting, Madelynn Van Hoose for printmaking, Michael Maddux for photography, Karlon King and Reilly Vaughan for ceramics, and Isabelle Flores with two state medals for painting. 

Frenship Visual Arts Coordinator, Joey MacLean, stated the student artists competing learn so much from the VASE competitions.  

“They are motivated and influenced by what they see and come back inspired and ready to try new things,” said MacLean. 

At the regional level, each student discusses their art with a judge in a one-on-one setting. They get meaningful feedback and gain the experience of explaining their process. At the state level, students are exposed to an unbelievable amount of quality artwork.  

This year, all five art and photography teachers at the high school had at least one student qualified. MacLean stated they are all extremely proud of this talented group of students.