Legacy’s art department entered 79 art pieces in the Visual Art and Scholastic Event (VASE) on Sat. March 3. Of those 79 pieces,16 pieces belonging to 12 students made it to state.
“[VASE] is the only art competition of its kind in the country,” art teacher David Mason said. “It’s fairly recognized nationally by art schools and some colleges.”
VASE follows the “no pass no play” rules, requiring students wanting to participate in the contest to have passing grades in all their classes. The competition divides students by how many art credits the student has, a student having one art credit would be in division one and would only compete with those in their division. AP art students are in division four with other AP students and those with four art credits. Pieces are not divided up by medium but rather division.
“The only thing I don’t like is that almost every other contest the break down is by media,” Mr.Mason said. “When only ten percent of the pieces get to state, others get overlooked. I think there needs to be a separation of media to make it more equitable.”
The judges at VASE interview the artists about their purpose, technique, aesthetics and expression before judging their pieces.
“I like it because in most contests you’re not there to tell people what your concepts are and they judge it themselves, but for this contest the students get to tell them their story and why they created it,” Mr.Mason said.
State finalist senior Jackie Millett was nervous waiting for the judge to call her in and interview her, but after being interviewed she felt confident about her art going to the next round.
“I felt a sudden rush of energy and read the text I got from Mr.Mason over and over because I didn’t believe I had gone to state,” Millett said.
Millett likes the judging process for not only interviewing her about the background of her piece but also for giving her feedback on her work. She feels she was very fortunate to be involved with VASE.
“I’m lucky to be a part of a great art program with great teachers who give us this opportunity to go to VASE,” Millett said. “Mason has helped me achieve my goal of going to state and I thank him so much.”
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