Students will compete in the VASE regional competition this Saturday at Plano’s William High School in hopes to receive the highest ranking and advance to state.

“VASE is a UIL-sponsored competition and is only done in the state of Texas,” Art Teacher Carolyn Funk said. “It allows for students to see what other high school students are doing, and compete against them. There is also great feedback given to the students from the judges.”

This competition is a way for the creative students to possibly be rewarded for college.

“VASE is beneficial for college,” Art Teacher Sarah Watkins said. “If students advance to state, then they can qualify to be a part of a workshop, which could result in a scholarship.”

Students are eligible to submit a maximum of two pieces of work to display for competition.

“I do recommend that students who are trying to advance in art should compete,” Mrs. Watkins said. “Just like athletes prepare for competition, the artists also prepare, and we have been working towards this all year.  VASE is a time for their work to shine.”

The ranking system ranges from one to four.

“The goals’ for students competing this year is to get a four, which is the highest ranking you can receive on a piece of work,” Mrs. Funk said. “However, returning VASE competitors’ goals are to advance to state.”

This UIL art competition requires original creativity from those who want a chance to compete at the state level.

“I don’t think it’s that hard, but it depends on the media we submit in the competition,” senior Samantha Scoggins said. “I wanted to step my game up this year because I am photography club president. So it was hard for me to find a worthy picture.”