UNCSA visual artists win National Scholastic Art Awards

Three high school seniors in the Visual Arts Program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts have won National Scholastic Art Awards, the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7–12.

Rachel Cavell of Gastonia, Tess Crabtree of Hickory and Tamera Lepore of Hubert are among 25 district-level medalists who advanced to win at the national level, according to Will Taylor, director of Visual Arts Program.

“This is a tremendous honor for Rachel, Tess and Tamera,” Taylor said. “To be nationally recognized at their age is quite an accomplishment. They have worked hard, and we are very proud of this achievement. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented artists.”

Founded in 1923 for middle and high school students, the Scholastic Arts program is designed to encourage student achievement, to recognize and applaud art teachers and to emphasize the importance of the visual arts in the school curriculum.

UNCSA’s Visual Arts Program enrolls high school juniors and seniors who commit to a rigorous course of study in design, drawing, sculpture and art history.

Graduates of the Visual Arts Program have continued to pursue their interest in the fine arts at universities such as Virginia Commonwealth, Kansas City Art Institute, Maryland Institute College of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, School of Art Institute of Chicago, Ringling College of Art and Design, School of the Museum of Fine Art - Boston and College for Creative Studies.

by Lauren Whitaker