Each year, student pieces from Dripping Springs High School are entered in the VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) area/regional competition, where they can receive different levels of recognition. The event is sponsored by the Texas Art Education Association. Students present their work and defend their pieces in front of a judges' panel; entries then receive a score ranging from 1 to 4, with 4 being "Superior." A Superior rating is also considered to be an "all-region" winner. From there, entries can be selected as "all-area," which advances them to the state competition.