Being featured in an art showcase is an incredible achievement for the 12 students who are having their art displayed at the York County Arts Scholar Exhibition (YCASE).  YCASE is an art display where students have the chance to become noticed as upcoming artists and earn rewards for their talents. This event, hosted by York College, selects students from several schools to represent their district in areas such as drawing, painting, photography, graphic design and 3D art. 

     YCASE has been running since 2017 and CYHS has been participating since its inception. This year, all students who submitted work had at least one of their entries selected for the first round exhibition. Submissions for this round opened Nov. 30 2021 and closed Jan. 31 2022. The competition is open for all high school grade levels to enter and have their art selected for a finalist exhibition. 

    In the first round, artists’ work would typically be hung around the downtown York area to promote businesses there. 

    “[YCASE] gives you a community wide platform,” said former YCASE winner and professional artist, Justin Ruby, class of 2017.  

    However, this part of the event has been put on hold due to COVID-19. The past two exhibitions have been online where schools showed artwork on a website that represents their school. And on March 3, 2022 pieces chosen by a group of judges will be recognized in the virtual award ceremony. 

    Out of 63 pieces submitted from CYHS, 17 were chosen for the finalist exhibition. These will be displayed on the third floor of Marketview Arts in Gallery Hall. 

    This prominent artistic location allows YCASE to offer an incredible opportunity to students. Many of them do not get recognition outside of the classroom but this helps them branch out to make connections and communicate with colleges who see potential. 

    “It can be your first validation,” said CYHS YCASE participant, Brayden Wisner. 

    At the end of the exhibition students can apply to win a $20,000  DelliCarpini community art scholarship for studying art related majors at York College. Two CYHS students have won this scholarship, the 2017 YCASE winner, Sydney Little and again in the 2020 exhibition, Paige Johnson. 

    The physical prizes and personal accomplishment act provide great motivation. Students have the choice to sell any of the artwork they create and get to decide on what they think it is worth. 

    Multiple YCASE participants have moved to continue their passion after high school because of the appreciation gained through this event. 

    “It’s easy to get lost…and not get noticed…but this is an opportunity for some concrete attention to be given to deserving kids,” said CYHS art teacher Andrew Walker. 

Central’s art department works to encourage students to pursue winning in YCASE because many have progressed in their passion through it.