Art Club secretary, sophomore Graceson Carthel has been an artist for nearly his entire life. He has competed in two major art competitions, one being state, and he plans to compete in VASE in February.

VASE, which stands for Visual Arts Scholastic Event, is a competition that all local high schools compete in. Their mission is to recognize exemplary student achievement in visual arts.

Carthel, who enjoys expressing himself through his artwork, plans to create a piece for the VASE that is personal and meaningful.

“My piece will be about grief,” Carthel said. “More specifically, it will be about how overwhelming it can be.”

When Carthel is not creating art for competition, he loves to draw portraits of his friends.

“Portraits are my favorite form of art because of how unique the human face is,” Carthel said. “Ever since I was 12 I’ve made portraits for my family and friends.”

Naturally, Carthel’s love for art made him a good fit for Art Club, which he described as a place where he can be himself.

“I love Art Club because of the community and how everyone is there for each other,” Carthel said. “I find art to be very expressive and it boosts my self-confidence. I like that my art gives me a sense of identity.”