Visual Arts Classic

The Visual Arts Classic (VAC) is a competition for art students in grades 9-12. The competition features studio categories involving a long-term project and an onsite short-term team project.

2026 THEME: "MOVEMENT"

Competition features studio categories (usually 11 or 12) based on a theme.
Students are involved in in-depth research on about a dozen selected artists 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 competitions.

Click the image above to see the slide deck of long-term projects for the 2025 Visual Arts Classic.

VAC 2025 Longterm Projects Video

VAC details will be posted in late fall 2025 for the 2026 event. See the 2025 events, artist lists, and information below to review this past year's VAC.

2025 Artist List .pdf Downloadable

"Dashboards" for regional and state events will be posted in late fall 2025 for the 2026 event. For questions, contact your regional representative listed below.