During VAST’s monthly meetings, members are invited to bring an art piece to show and compete for cash prizes. The artworks are voted on (anonymously) by the membership during the meeting, and at the meeting’s conclusion both first and second place winners areannounced.

First place is awarded a $25 cash prize and second place earns $15. No prior registration is required and there is no cost to enter. Those artists winning first place throughout the year are automatically entered for the Artist of the Year competition in May.

There is NO open mini-show during May. That month is reserved for the Artist of the Year competition.

Since 2022, the money to fund these awards has been generously donated by Stafford Team Real Estate of Denton.

See each month's winners here:

2025-26 Mini Show winners

In addition to the mini-show, VAST hosts a themed competition that is also voted on by the membership during the meeting. A $25 gift certificate for Jerry’s Artarama is awarded the winner. There is no prior registration and no entry fee for this fun competition. Please see the list of themes for the 2024-25 year below.

The prize gift certificates have been generously donated by Jerry’s Artarama in Dallas since 2022.

Our 2025-2026 year begins on September 3, 2025.

Click Here to see each month's themes:

2025-2026 Creative Stretch

The photos of this year's winners:

2025-26 Creative Stretch Winners

Free monthly Member Meetings of Presentations/Demos by Artists: Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month from September to May (occasional different dates due to holidays)

Location: Patterson Appleton Arts Center, 400 E. Hickory, Denton, TX. (Guest fee: $5)

Events