A competition for students from all areas to gather and create outstanding pieces of artwork. This is the VAC. The VAC, also known as the Visual Arts Classic, is an art competition for students in grades 9 through 12.
The competition usually features twelve categories. Mixed media, painting, drawing, sculpture, and ceramics are a few of the categories in which students can compete. The competition includes both a long-term project and a short-term on-site project. Students must complete a long-term project and are graded on how effectively they portrayed the prompt through research and creative interpretation. The short-term on-site project is similar, with only a few hours given to participants to complete a given prompt. Students may also participate in a critical thinking activity in groups in a game called the “quiz bowl” to potentially win a prize.
There are both regional and state competitions during the school year. The regional competition in our area is held in Platteville, usually in mid-February, and the state competition is held in Madison during April.
The Visual Arts Classic is run by the Wisconsin Art Education Association (WAEA) and is believed to have started in 1986. Waterloo High School is one of the few schools that have had students participate in the annual competitions since the VAC’s beginning. Potosi High School is one of many that participate annually in the regional and state VAC competitions. This tradition was started four years ago after Mrs. Haverland, who teaches elementary, middle school, and high school art, was invited to judge a regional competition in our area. “I became the co-chair of our regional competition because I saw what a valuable experience it was for our students,” Haverland enthusiastically explained.
This will be the third year that Haverland will be bringing students to the VAC competitions. “I plan to continue to bring students to the VAC as long as there is interest from the students.” She acknowledges that this competition is a big commitment and at times can even be stressful for students and teachers alike.
Haverland fondly shared her thoughts on the VAC competition: “Students get to see what other students are up to in their art journey; they get inspired by others, and make connections with students.” As someone who has participated in the VAC before, this competition isn’t against other students, but against yourself. Students are judged for how well they can complete a prompt in their pieces of art. I have won multiple first-place awards that have brought me to the state level to compete further.
The VAC is a place for students to connect with other artists and teachers and receive honest feedback on their artwork, which will help encourage them to improve their work. The annual competition is for students to compete and show improvement from previous years.
Haverland is insistent that students should step outside of their comfort zones, and this competition is one way to do just that. Haverland’s advice to students is to “Leave your doubts behind and give it a try. You don’t have to be experienced to enjoy the art-making process and a day creating with friends.” Haverland is grateful to the administration, board members, parents, and colleagues for supporting Potosi’s art students.