Visual Art Scholastic Awards (VASE) competitors had 29 art entries and 3 photography entries under the coaching of art teacher Kimberly Taylor and photo teacher Jessica Otte. Students competed at Whitehouse High School on Saturday, Feb. 9 and 25 pieces earned medals with the highest score of a “4” rating.

Students who advanced to State, and are Region Medalists for receiving a  “4”, included Keilah Knight for her Watercolor piece, Elida Barron for her Lighted Stain Glass window, Lizbeth Hernandez for her Book Sculpture, and Axel Aparicio and Gia Phan for their Mixed Media pieces. Artwork that received two separate perfect scores of “4” for both pieces were Haleigh Rolling’s 3D Crayon Sculpture and Book Sculpture, Elena Fults’ Lighted Stain Glass Window and Clay Sculpture, Brianna Starling’s Pencil Portrait and Multi-Media piece, Abigail Robertson’s Pen and Ink and Mixed Media pieces, as well as Juan Hernandez’s Book Sculpture and Mask Sculpture. Elida Barron also received a “4” for her second piece, Clay Sculpture.

“I’m looking forward to going to State”, said Lizbeth Hernandez. “I’ve been working on my book sculpture all year, and I tried to create something that represents me. I feel like I accomplished my goal”.

Additional perfect scores went to Alex Tellez’s Multi-Media Sculpture, Hanna Barron’s Pencil Portrait, Daniel Cabrera’s Mosaic Painting, Micayla Branin’s 3D Beaded Art, Caraline Otte’s Pen and Ink piece, and Jennifer Thornton’s original photography. Mixed Media pieces also earned perfect scores for Peyton Scott, Jocelyn Gonzalez, and Skyler Hawkins.

“Nearly 1,000 artworks entered this contest from ‘Region 7’ schools, and only 63 artworks were selected to advance to State by a group of professional artists”, said Taylor. “ A huge congratulations goes out to all of these kids”.

Honorable mention goes out to art students Kyndal Houff, Zamare’a Dunn, and Nayeli Mondragon as well as photo students Eddie Jones and Isela Rivera who all received “3” ratings.

Student artwork and photography will be displayed, this week, in the Fine Arts Exhibit cabinet in the Fine Arts Foyer. Pieces that advanced will go to State, this April, in San Antonio.