Senior Shelby Lynn and junior Dylan Knight will advance to the state Visual Arts Scholastic Event in San Antonio April 23 and 24.

Students competed in the regional level of VASE at Amarillo High School Feb. 27 with 35 other schools and against 1,028 pieces of artwork. Eleven students were regional winners in their divisions, but Lynn and Knight advanced through area and onto state. Students prepared paperwork about their artwork prior to the competition day.

“Each student must know their intent, why they did the artwork and the process,” art teacher Linda Podzemny said. “They also have to know the elements of art and principles of design for their piece. It was really intense this year because they are really trying to eliminate copying other artwork and making sure it is definitely original. They have had to disqualify pieces because they found similar images online.”

When beginning the VASE process, each artwork must pass through a qualifying stage before moving on to a juror.

“The jurors are sectioned into their fields of expertise and are local college professors, retired teachers or professional artists,” Podzemny said. “The students don’t just go to anybody. They go to someone that represents their artwork. All my students say they are nervous going to the judge, but they say it always goes away when they start talking about their work.”

From the 1,028 pieces of artwork, only 103 pieces advanced onto state. Knight’s photograph “Lighthouse Rock Us” and Lynn’s rolled paper chess set titled “Paper Chase” will continue to the state competition. Knight entered two pieces in the photography category as a first-time competitor. 

“I heard the announcement for the competition and decided to get more information about it to test it out,” Knight said. “It was a great learning experience to have judges’ comments on my work.”

Although Knight will not attend the state event due to track conflicts, he said he plans on entering more photography next year.

“I like the creativity that can go into every shot,” Knight said. “No two photographers shoot the same scene identically. VASE is a good opportunity for artists to show their work and receive feedback. I would recommend it to anyone.”