Due to its abundance of creative students, Garland ISD was selected to host the Texas Art Education Association’s Region 10 east Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) March 7 at Garland High School. The regional affair proved to be successful, showcasing GISD’s hardworking staff and talented students.
“Many collective hours were spent organizing and planning this event,” said GHS teacher Jessica Thompson. “All art teachers, from kindergarten through 12th grade, volunteered to work that day. The outstanding team effort and positive attitudes resulted in a very cool, calm and collected atmosphere, which made all other visiting districts, students and teachers feel truly welcomed.”
The impressive event featured college and student-led workshops, fun activities in the waiting area, food trucks, greeters and guest welcome rooms. In addition, certified jurors interviewed all participants and evaluated their work based on a four-level standard rating. Originality of concept, technical expertise, understanding of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for visual art, and the interpretation of the student’s stated intent were all considered during judging.
The 2014-15 competition included 1,532 entries, including 652 district-submitted pieces. Just 89 submissions were chosen to go to state, with nearly half of those qualifiers hailing from GISD.
“We have 42 students advancing to state,” Thompson revealed. “The best thing about state VASE is that the kids just get to enjoy it, as there are no more interviews or paperwork to be completed. VASE is all about seeing what is out there, getting feedback from judges, becoming inspired to work harder and creating more art. VASE gives students an outside, unbiased opinion that can really propel them to a higher level with their art. It is such a valuable experience.”
For more information about VASE, visit the competition’s website.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Thompson