AISD Fine Arts Director Recognized With the Spirit of VASE Award

Posted Date: 04/29/2025

April 28, 2025 – Denise Olson, Amarillo ISD Director of Arts, has received the Spirit of VASE Award, the highest honor at the Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE) hosted by the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) where event goers observed the top 2,358 works of art in the State of Texas.

Olson serves TAEA and VASE in the role of High School VASE and Junior VASE Director for ESC Region 16.

State VASE Event Director Amy Semifero described Olson’s efforts and involvement in TAEA and VASE events.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Denise Olson for the past 20 years, all through my own involvement with TAEA and the various VASE events,” said Semifero. “As long as I have known her, Denise has always led with a servant's heart and as an advocate for the Texas Panhandle’s visual artists. Denise is the complete embodiment of a Spirit of VASE Award recipient.”

Olson was noted for her longstanding commitment and passion to not only serve as a member of the TAEA Community, but also as a role model for her peers within the organization, as the standard of excellence that others can obtain.

The Spirit of VASE Award was established by the VASE Blue Ribbon Committee in July 2013, under the direction of Joey Doyle, VASE Director (2005 - 2014). This award is a special recognition for the members of TAEA and the VASE family who have made significant contributions to VASE, provided diligent and continuous service to advance the mission of VASE, and continue to display the values and principles of the VASE programs.