Reprinted With Permission of Weatherford Democrat

BROCK — Since 1994, the VASE competition has been open to High School students, providing them with the freedom to express their outlooks and perspectives through art.

VASE, representing Visual Arts Scholastic Event, has been at the forefront of many art programs in Texas. Some students prepare for this event months beforehand, hoping for an opportunity to advance and compete statewide.

Twenty students from Brock High School recently had this very opportunity; they traveled to Timberview High School in Arlington, along with their various pieces.

The Brock competitors in the Division one category were Taylor Baird, Cole Beauchamp, Kaitlyn Doidge, Rebeka Dollar, Hannah Farley, Cheyne Gray, Katie Hendrix, Devonne Miller, Tori Newsome, Shannon Richards, Adam Robison, and Leslie Ann Saunders.

The division two competitors were Jennifer Brewer, Colton Dempsey, Jessica Faulkenberry, Jaycee Green, Morgan Mitchell, Nadene Nijem, Ethan Turnbow, and Felecia Whitby.

All of the competitors did exceptionally well, but none advanced to the state level. Along with submitting their artwork for a judge's complete evaluation, each student was asked to explain their piece to help the judge further understand the meaning of what was intended. Throughout the interview, the artist hoped to convey their personality and perspective.

Afterwards, the superb ranking art was put on display for anyone and everyone to admire. Artists armed with cameras flooded the hallways for a chance to pick up a new technique or two.

Each of the competitors expressed individuality through the use of different mediums and elements of design. Among the students of Brock, the use of asymmetry, shading, positive negative design, and repetition of pattern was commonly used. These elements defined the pieces and were the tools used to help execute each project.

In coming years, Brock will continue to send increasing numbers of students to VASE. Judging by the past two years, the art program at Brock High School has begun to flourish.