Visual Arts Classic (VAC)

The Visual Arts Classic (VAC) is a competition for art students in grades 9-12. It features studio categories (usually 11 or 12) and an annually changing theme. Students are involved in in-depth research on selected artists (usually about a dozen) whose work relates to the theme. Scores are earned both individually and as a team.  Students have the opportunity to create artwork in response to a prompt as a “long-term” project.  Students also participate in a challenge to create artwork in response to a prompt as an “on-site” project. Teams compete in a “Critical Thinking” team project as well as an “Art History Quiz Bowl” relating to the selected theme and artists.
There are both a Regional and State competition.

2022-2023 Theme - Art and Texture

A Quick Overview​​

  • Team participation in Quiz Bowl competition
  • Team participation in Critical Thinking competition
  • Teams are composed of a group of 12 students ($150.00)
  • Schools may register only one team per school
  • Schools may register a half team of 6 ($75.00)
  • Team’s advisor/coach must be a current member of WAEA
  • No more than 2 individuals from same team may compete in studio area
  • All first places advance from Regional to State competition
  • Cell phone use during competition will result in disqualification
  • Friendly, non-threatening competition!​

Stay Informed with the VAC Blog!

State Competition Information

A few benefits of VAC include:
Please enjoy our awards for 2020 here. 

Tweet About VAC

If you use Twitter be sure to post any VAC images or tweets using the hashtag #WiVAC
Just a few of the student benchmarks in VAC!
  • Conduct research
  • Work independently
  • Work cooperatively as part of a team
  • Stay on task
  • Find exemplars in art from which to model and learn
  • Work out ideas in written form & sketches until they arrives at a solution
  • Develop ability in the medium/technique of the problem through inquiry and practice
  • Critique with knowledge their own work, peers, as well as that of artists
  • Accept constructive criticism
  • Search for new answers
  • Manage time while working towards deadlines
  • Take risks in solving problems
  • Evaluate and are able to talk about their artwork
  • Take charge of their own learning
© Wisconsin Art Education Association 2021, Breanna Kanak  Designer