Simon implemented an object duplication function into the engine a while back that's lets you duplicate scene objects via script, I believe it should also include any images/animations/actions belonging to the scene object as well. I've not used it myself yet, so I can't provide an example of how to use it. But
here's the documentation/example for it that's available on Simon's luadocs page.
VS doesn't have any support for tiling/sprite sheets, so you would likely have sort it out manually or maybe use the duplication method I mentioned above.
As for sprite part animations, I'm sure there was a way to add them to scene objects, but I could be mistaken. I know that 3D models can only be created as characters. Isn't the model path on the properties tab for scene objects where you can link spine animations? To be honest I have no idea what that section is for - again, not something I've personally used myself.