Art students have brush with success

Ozona—A recent trip to San Angelo offered Ozona High School art students more than competition; it was a chance to share their creativity and tell their stories through art.

Students competed on Feb. 21 at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event, or VASE, where several earned top ratings for their work.

Rodrigo Alvarez, Shai-Ann Chavez, Braylee Clark, Maria Damian, Austin Mason and Selena Smith each received the highest rating of four. Kylie Martinez, Stormi Martinez, Sarai Meza, Ciera Morales, Jordan Parks, Juan Reyes, Luis Romero and Jonathan Serrano earned a rating of three, while Jakelynn Hernandez and Hailey Larson received a two rating.

“VASE is a student art contest that's made to incorporate all different types of art to be showcased by the students,” OHS art teacher Ann Fowler said. “There are several different schools in Region 15 that participate in it.”

Beyond the scores, the competition challenges students to think deeply about their work. Participants meet one-on-one with judges to explain their artistic process, inspiration and meaning behind their pieces.

“They have to discuss their artwork, where they're coming from, and their feelings about their artwork,” Fowler said. “It's good for them to develop more thought about their artwork and put more into it. Art can represent a thoughtful story.” 

Junior Shai-Ann Chavez’ story came from memory. Her pieces, “Nostalgic Night” and “Devious Dog,” were inspired by childhood moments.

“I started off with the bench, and then I started wanting to add a little night sky,” Chavez said. “It reminded me when I was younger. I thought of my siblings and when we used to make snowmen.”

Jonathan Serrano, a freshman, took a more instinctive approach with his piece “Fading Memory,” which earned a rating of three. 

“I did what seemed best, what seemed thoughtful,” Serrano said. “I thought of it in my head, so I drew it.”

Sophomore Hailey Larson focused on creating a sense of calm in her piece “Windy Field,” incorporating horses and an open landscape.

“I wanted to incorporate horses into it and give a feel of calmness but also like freedom in a way,” Larson said. “You can see horses running, and I feel like in that sort of setting you feel calm.”   

Fowler said VASE is one of her favorite events because it allows students to grow both artistically and personally. 

“I get to see my students accomplish things, get medals, be excited, go somewhere and share with other artists,” she said. “We have some great artwork this time.”