Houston Rodeo art: 72 outstanding creations from 2023′s fierce student art contest

Each year, thousands of Houston Rodeo attendees marvel at the top-notch Western art displayed in the NRG Center. From sketches, pastels and watercolors, to oil and acrylic on canvas and even clay sculptures, the outstanding student-made artwork in the Hayloft Gallery rivals that of seasoned professionals.

The Houston Rodeo’s School Art Competition began in the 1960s as a Go Texan poster contest, which drew some 700 entries. Now, the annual contest draws thousands of submissions from some 100 school districts each year.

The art is divided into several categories -- colored drawing, mixed media, monochromatic, painting, 3D, elementary and junior high -- and judged by its originality, creativity and composition. All entries judged at the NRG Center receive a ribbon, and the most phenomenal works of art receive additional honors. Several pieces are then selected for auction.

This year, 72 pieces will go to auction on March 12.

All the winning artwork will be on display in the Hayloft Gallery, located in the lobby of NRG Center, throughout the duration of the 2023 rodeo.

Grand Champion: “Our Last Roundup” by Mia Huckman, Lamar CISD

Reserve Grand Champion: “Morning Dove” by Eliza Hoffman, Clear Creek ISD

Class Champion - Colored Drawing: “Trailblazin’” by Joshua Washington, Pasadena ISD

Class Champion - Mixed Medium: “Broken In” by Tanner Tran, Pearland ISD

Class Champion - Monochromatic Drawing: “Boots at the Door Step” by Allisen Ambriosio, Pasadena CISD

Class Champion - Painting: “Rodeo Legend” by Mia Paz, Katy ISD

Class Champion - 3D Class: “Gotcha!” by Alina Du, Spring Branch ISD

Class Champion - Junior High: “The First Glimpse” by Rubi Thorn, Pearland ISD

Class Champion - Elementary: “Guardians of the Fields” by Samia Adeshina, private school

Reserve Class Champion - Colored Drawing: “First Touch” by Iris Chen, Conroe ISD

Reserve Class Champion - Mixed Medium: “Evening Glow” by Gracin Nguyen, Pearland ISD

Reserve Class Champion - Monochromatic Drawing: “A Ride to Remember” by Venees Tang, Fort Bend ISD

Reserve Class Champion - Painting: “Dawn of the Cowboy” by Lilly-Rose Ribelayga, Fort Bend ISD

Reserve Class Champion - 3D Class: “The Mud Runner” by Christian Ruma, Fort Bend ISD

Reserve Class Champion - Junior High: “Chestnut” by Ximin Liang, Fort Bend ISD

Reserve Class Champion - Elementary: “Boots in the Sand” by John Klein, private school

See all 72 pieces in the gallery at the top of the page.

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