Creativity took center stage as students from Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts traveled to McAllen, Texas to compete in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), turning imagination into achievement. Through brushstrokes, lenses, and mixed media, students translated personal stories, emotions, and identity into powerful works of art that resonated beyond the canvas. Their work not only captured attention but also earned top distinctions, reinforcing the impact of artistic expression in shaping student voice and confidence.
VASE, sponsored by the Texas Art Education Association, is a statewide competition designed to recognize student achievement in visual arts. Modeled after UIL-style academic contests, students create original artwork, write about their artistic process, and participate in an interview with a juror to explain their work and artistic decisions. The competition begins at the regional level, where top-performing students may advance to state.
Students from VMT represented Laredo Independent School District at the regional competition, competing against approximately 1,300 students from across the region. Ten VMT students participated and each earned a Rating of 4, the highest distinction awarded at the regional level.
Among those participants, Madelyn Marchan advanced as a state qualifier, placing her among a select group of 73 students who will continue on to the state competition. Marchan, who competes in Division I, achieved this recognition among only 28 students in her division to advance, highlighting the level of excellence demonstrated.
Reflecting on her experience, Marchan shared, “Advancing to the state level and representing VMT felt surreal. I honestly didn’t think I would make it, especially seeing the incredible work around me. I thought realism mattered more, but my piece focused on creativity, meaning, and expression. This experience showed me that art isn’t just about realism, it’s about creativity and meaning.”
Students across multiple disciplines, including graphic design, photography, and traditional art, demonstrated both technical skill and creative depth through their work and interviews. The competition required not only strong artistic ability but also the confidence to articulate ideas and explain the meaning behind each piece.
Destiny Cardenas reflected on the recognition, stating, “Earning an exemplary rating at VASE is really an amazing feeling. My consistent effort and positive attitude towards my work has paid off. I feel that being recognized reassures me I’m on the right path and I should never doubt myself. At the end of day, no effort is too small and no challenge is too big.”
Azul Villeda also earned the highest rating and emphasized the personal growth gained through the experience. “My experience at VASE was truly wonderful and deeply rewarding. Achieving the highest 4 rating for my artwork has helped me grow not only as an artist but as a person. I am incredibly grateful for this achievement and for the opportunity to compete within a supporting and inspiring artistic community.”
The preparation process required weeks and, in some cases, months of dedication, as students developed their artwork and refined their ability to communicate their artistic intent. A strong emphasis was placed on interview preparation, allowing students to build confidence and engage in higher-level thinking as they explained their creative decisions.
“The most rewarding part was seeing the students’ creativity come to life and watching their hard work pay off. It was incredibly meaningful to see them succeed in such a competitive environment and to witness their growth as artists and thinkers,” Clarissa Visarra, VMT Art/Graphic Design and Interactive Media Teacher, said.
Participation in VASE highlights the strength of fine arts education and the role it plays in developing confident, creative, and expressive students. As these students continue their artistic journeys, their accomplishments reflect a commitment to growth, innovation, and the power of student voice.
“VASE provided an opportunity for students to expand their knowledge, not only in creating strong, meaningful artwork, but also in navigating the interview process, articulating their ideas, and confidently defending their work. We are truly proud of them, as this was no easy task, and they rose to the challenge with determination and professionalism,” Joanne Valdez, VMT Commercial Photography Teacher, said.