Eight students are advancing to the Texas Art Education Association’s state Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) following a successful showing at the regional competition on March 2 at McMurry University.
Nearly 20,000 pieces of work from across the state were submitted for judging at the regional level. Abilene ISD students earned 94 medals for their artwork in the Region 14 competition. Approximately 1,600 pieces advance to the state competition next month in San Marcos.
Students advancing to the state competition include:
Cooper High School
- Evelyn Colyer, senior
- Jenna Herrera, senior
- Maleah Hudson, senior
- Sofia Borrasso, senior
- Isis Salazar, sophomore
- Bit Young, sophomore
- Julia McGallian, freshman
Abilene High School
- Hollie Nowlan, freshman
Forty-six AHS students earned regional medals in their divisions. Those students were Sephora Ibondo, Kairi Nelson, Pacey Beasley (2), Hayle Burton (2), Mo Carroll (2), Zackery Cullum, Grace Eason, Cora Hack, Jonathan Leon (2), Rose Liu, Ryann Liu (2), Skye Marsh (2), Lilliana Martinez (2), Audry Meffert, Aaliyah Mikaele, Sandra Mueller (2), Hollie Nowlan (2), Naomi Rodriguez, Jacie Shipley (2), Nolan Sullivan, Gabriella Trujillo, Zoe Vann, Zoe Wilson (2), Karissa Chapman, Audrey Self, Alexa Davila, Jessica Hernandez (2), Jasmine Munoz, Scarlett Perry, Alexa Puryear, Layla Robinson, Katey Smith, and William Talmage (2).
CHS students whose work earned 47 regional medals in their divisions are Savvanah Abor, Sofia Borrasso (2), Holly Burris (2), Sydney Cripps, Tiger Gladden, Jenna Herrera, Natalyn Kuhn, Antwon Malone, Mya Munoz, Lily Muzechenko (2), Kristian Rodriguez, Riley Schuetzler, Sophia Trang, Sontee Vinson, Bit Young, Angelita Arrazola, Krishna Boon, Evelyn Colyer (2), Madison Halford (2), Hazel Harris (2), Jenna Herrera, Maleah Hudson (2), Claudia Jacques, Jayda Jones, Joseph Langford, Julia McGallian (2), Abigail Nichols, Isis Salazar (2), Vorevann Seng (2), Suzy Trevino, Sontee Vinson, Aubrey Wells (2), Cassie Bryan, Nicolas Martinez, Landan Oakes, and Angel Albores.
Josh Markiewski from ATEMS also earned a regional medal in his division.
The mission of the TAEA Visual Arts Scholastic Event is to “recognize exemplary student achievement in the Visual Arts by providing art students a program with a standard of excellence in which to achieve.” Not only do students create original artwork, but they also discuss their work and creation process with a juror.
Students are entered by their division, which refers to the art course in which they are currently enrolled. According to TAEA, jurors look for originality of concept, technical expertise, understanding of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and interpretation of the student’s stated intent.
Congratulations to these students and their teachers on a job well done!
