Langham Creek High School sophomore Katelinn Barnes’ artwork, Loss, won a Gold Seal Medallion at the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). A Gold Seal Medallion is the contest’s highest honor and is awarded to students who received a Rating V.

June 2, 2023—A total of 49 CFISD art students earned either a state medal, a platinum medal or Top of TEAM award at the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), Junior Visual Arts Scholastic Event (Junior VASE) and the Texas Elementary Art Meet (TEAM) Contest, respectively.

“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to prepare for an art contest, and those who do so deserve admiration for their efforts,” said Lee Carrier, coordinator of visual arts. “I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible work CFISD art teachers do by encouraging their students to participate in the VASE, Junior VASE and TEAM art contests. I am proud of the contest results as it is clear that the efforts of our art teachers have a profound impact on students. Through guidance and encouragement, art teachers have helped foster a love for art in their students and have provided them with valuable opportunities to develop their skills, express themselves creatively, and gain recognition for their hard work. By participating in art contests, students are demonstrating a commitment to their craft and a willingness to put themselves out there and take risks. I hope that this year’s contest season inspired future generations of artists, who may go on to make important contributions in artistic fields as well as support future generations of young artists.”

Cypress Springs High School senior Alexander Alvarado received a State VASE medal for his artwork titled “Unbound.” Alvarado also received a $400 scholarship for the artwork he completed during a workshop at the State VASE competition.

The State VASE contest was highlighted by 19 different students earning 20 state medals. In addition to a state medal, Langham Creek High School sophomore Katelinn Barnes earned a Gold Seal Medallion for her artwork titled “Loss.” A Gold Seal Medallion is the contest’s highest honor and is awarded to students who received a Rating V.

Cypress Springs High School senior Alexander Alvarado was also awarded a $400 scholarship in addition to his state medal.

The following students received State VASE medals:

The Junior VASE contest featured 17 different middle school students winning 19 platinum medals. Artworks that earned a “4” rating were considered for a platinum medal, which represents the top 10 percent in each Junior VASE division.

The following students received a Junior VASE platinum medal:

The TEAM Contest was highlighted by 13 different elementary school students earning 13 Top of TEAM medals. Top of TEAM medals were awarded to art pieces that earned an “exemplary” or “3” rating. Artwork was judged based on personal expression, technique, technical skills and execution and elements of art and principles of design.

The following students received a Top of TEAM medal: