A team of Bassett High School art students is now competing with 50 other groups to be named the Vans Custom Culture Top 50.
Students in Mercedes Fleagle’s art class have worked during the pandemic to design shoes that meet the Custom Culture contest themes of Hometown Pride and Head in the Clouds. Following their concept submissions, students learned they were in the top 250 in the nation and were sent five pairs of Vans with the task of creating two full pairs of shoes based on the contest themes. The group recently learned they are in the top 50 in the national contest and have the opportunity to win $50,000 for their school’s art program if they win the popular vote.
Students Caroline Adkins and Lauren Carter shared that the BHS program would use the grant to enhance the art experience for students for years to come by allowing the addition of new equipment to their classroom as well as funding for student visits to galleries and artist in residence experiences.
Four finalist schools will earn a $15,000 grant for their art program and all student artists will receive a pair of Vans shoes.
As only one of two Virginia schools to be in the top 50 finalists, Bassett High School’s students are excited to have community support. Community members wishing to support BHS can go to https://customculture.vans.com/, select Bassett High School, and enter their email address to vote. Votes can be submitted once per day per email address through DATE. Learn more by using the hashtag #VANSHSCustomCultureContest on social media.
