Artist of the Year
An opportunity for artists to gather recognition (and award) for participation in the display of (2) of their latest art creations at the monthly meetings, Artist of the Year is typically juried by the evening's guest artist speaker. At year's end, accumulated points determine a cash award for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, encouraging members to show their work on a regular basis and gain recognition for their efforts. All art mediums are included. PLUS:
 | Haskew Challenge: Three times a year, an award challenge started by former VFAA founder and friend, Suzanne Haskew. Members bring a themed piece for popular vote. 2013 themes: March: 'Eagle-eyed', June: 'Eccentric', and September: 'Eerie'. |
April 2013 1st - Dan Persinger, oil, 2nd - Vera Thornton, oil, 3rd - Candy Brancik, oil.
Honorable mention was also mentioned for Mary Bajcz, tapestry
March 2013 1st - Dean Roger, pencil, 2nd - Candy Brancik (figure) & Vera Thornton (cat), 3rd - Barb Weisenberg (watercolor landscape) & Linda Onderko (cat)
1st Haskew Challenge, Eagle-eyed: Pat Mobley (photograph)
February 2013 1st - Barb Weisenberg, watercolor, 2nd - Louise Azzoli, pastel, 3rd - Louise Azzoli, watercolor
January 2013 1st - Dale Alcocer, oil, 2nd - Dan Persinger, oil, 3rd - Louise Azzoli, mixed
2012 Winners -1st: Candy Brancik, 2nd: Bob Wesley, 3rd: Renee Hoag / Wendy
Willehnganz
October: 1st - Candy Brancik, oil, 2nd - Cindy Rashid, watercolor, 3rd - Valerie Bayer, acrylic. Honorable mentions: Wendy Willehnganz, watercolor, and Jan Key, acrylic
September: 1st - Vera Thornton, oil, 2nd - Candy Brancik, oil, 3rd - Cindy Rashid, watercolor
Haskew Challenge: "Calm": Jerry Pas, Vera Thornton, Pat Mobley
August: 1st - Dean Rogers, drawing, 2nd - Candy Brancik, charcoal, 3rd - Wendy Willihnganz
July: 1st - Dale Alcocer, painting, 2nd -Dave Justus, metal, 3rd - Tie: Candy Brancik oil portrait, and Pat Mobley, watercolor.
June: 1st - Kathy Fish, pastel portrait, 2nd -Bob Wesley, pencil, 3rd - Nancy Ebert, collage 
Haskew Challenge, Metamorphosis - 1st: Nancy Ebert, mixed medium. 2nd: Tie - Jan Key, Linda Onderko and Pat Bombach
May: 1st - Candy Brancik, oil, 2nd - Dale Alcocer, oil, 3rd - Bob Wesley, construction
Honorable mentions - Pat Bombach, Bob Wesley, Renee Hoag, Candy Brancik.
April: 1st & 3rd - Candy Brancik, oil, 2nd - Barb Weisenberg, watercolor.
Honorable mention - Jan Key, collaged art-cards
March: 1st - Dean Rogers, pencil, 2nd - Kathy Fish, pastel, 3rd - Renee Hoag, paint
Honorable Mention: Melanie Swords, Renee Hoag.
February: 1st - Dale Alcocer, winter scene painting, 2nd - Candy Bracik pastel, 3rd - Laura Conrad, Drawing
January: 1st - Dale Alcocer, winter scene painting, 2nd - Renee Hoag, CAT, 3rd - Candy Brancik oil life study, Honorable mentions: Dean Rogers drawing of Annie Zimanski at Pellagata ranch, Louise Azzoli pastel, Gary Dykstra drawing