YCASE is an annual art competition for York County students held by York College. Every year, a multitude of young artists submit their favorite pieces for a chance at being admitted as a finalist, and maybe even win an award.
The Dallastown Art Department has been participating in YCASE for a decade, since the first year the showcase was established. Students have, without fail, continued to impress every year.
“I like that it’s a different art show experience than our annual spring art show. Students have a more professional experience with getting work juried into the show, then juried into the finalist exhibit. I also like that it’s downtown, so students get to experience a connection to the art scene downtown and make connections.” Jillian Kohler, one of the Dallastown art teachers, says.
Sophomore Riley Fletcher took over the painting category with her piece, “Circles”.
“I was super happy and surprised, honestly. There were lots of super good pieces and talented people that I was surprised to have beat,” Fletcher says.
Junior Palin Kehr took the 3D and mixed media category by storm with her piece, “The Monster Within.”
“I feel somewhat proud of it because I put many hours into it, but I also feel like it still reminds me of how it started, just as a fun side project with an undetermined outcome that may not look good, rather than what the piece looks like now,“ Kehr says.
Though winning one of these awards is an exciting achievement, it isn’t the only reason many choose to participate every year.
Any student who is admitted into the finalists exhibit at any time during their high school
career can apply for the Art Fellows Scholarship. This $20,000 scholarship is available to any student who is entering an art major at York College.
Dallastown graduate Aeris Brewer was last year’s winner of the scholarship.
She is currently a graphic design major at York College, and along with the money towards her education, she is also a spokesperson for Marketview Arts (the venue for YCASE).
“Participating in the behind-the-scenes at the main YCASE event. It has shown me that with enough hard work and dedication, I can get somewhere,” Brewer said.
YCASE is a fantastic opportunity for young artists to get a taste of a professional showcase.
“It’s such a great opportunity for networking, connecting to downtown, a possible scholarship, possible awards with cash prizes, and a chance to experience something different than the normal school art stuff. I would encourage all students to participate in every opportunity they can—that’s the best way to get the most out of their high school experience. Not only does it pad your resume, but it gives you the chance to meet people and try new things!” Kohler says.
