As the nation's first standards-based art event, the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) is opening doors and creating opportunities for art students. VASE is the brainchild of passionate art educators who believe that high-school artists have potential far beyond the basic juried art exhibition. They believe that students should be able to create art, understand the decisions they make, and communicate their ideas and views on art. This article describes how VASE started and the activities it offers. (Contains 1 online resource.)