A feeling of satisfaction spreads through senior Cole Potestio as the camera’s shutter clicks. Students in Art teacher Spenser Oloughlin’s class, including Potestio, participated in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event, VASE.
“It was really fun,” Potestio said. “ [It was a great] opportunity to showcase my artwork and show my creativity with [photography].”
While at the competition, Potestio scored all fours, earning a gold medal.
“We had a zoo trip, and I looked for things that stood out to me,” Potestio said. “The pictures I submitted were bright, vibrant things that I thought would be eye-catching and the judges would like.”
Potestio submitted two photos, one of a toucan and another of a flamingo. Before the competition, Potestio edited and fine-tuned the photos so that they would be ready to present to the judges.
“I think Mrs. O kind of showed us different techniques and how to make our photos better,” Potestio said. “I think I felt that I was good at it, and I had a chance to possibly win an award.”
Potestio took Ms. Oloughlin’s class since his freshman year, causing them to form a bond.
“[Going to VASE is] very rewarding because we work hard all year,” Ms. Oloughlin said.
By taking Ms. Oloughlin’s class, Cole also gets to work with the other art students.
“He’s a great influencer,” Ms. Oloughlin said. “He is the life of the party and the life of our classroom most of the time because he motivates and pumps people up.”
Though Ms. Oloughlin did not go to VASE, she still helped her students prepare for the competition.
“[Cole] loves to photograph animals,” Ms. Oloughlin said. “And when he gets into it, it’s like there’s nothing else, just him shining.”
VASE allows students to create their own art and present their best pieces.
“[Photography is] relaxing, you don’t have to really try,” Potestio said. “[Photography] comes naturally, so you could [think] I want to take a picture of that.”
Though Potestio did not advance to state, he will continue to take photographs and use photography as a creative outlet.
“[VASE] helped me enjoy art more,” Potestio said. “I think a lot of people just take art as a class to get it over with, but for me, I enjoy it, I kind of want to do it more. So I think it makes [photography] more intriguing.”
