HLSR ART PROGRAM SHOWCASES THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISTS

Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor

committees’ operations.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s School Art Program welcomes students from age Pre-K through 12th grade to showcase their works of art for the opportunity to win a scholarship for their continued education, travel to summer workshops, and display their work in the Hayloft Gallery during the Rodeo. Currently, the School Art Program supports approximately 130 different school districts, including private and parochial schools, in the Houston area.

Based upon the placing, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo establishes a guaranteed minimum payment for each exhibitor who qualifies for a junior market auction, according to the HLSR’s website. The Rodeo also sets a cap amount above the guaranteed minimum for each auction lot. When bidding exceeds the cap amount, the additional funds go into the rodeo’s educational fund to be used for scholarship and grant recipients. Amounts bid between the guaranteed minimum and the cap are accumulated in the bonus pool and are used to cover any lots that did not bring the guaranteed amount, as well as auction expenses and auction

HSM's Kathleen Coleman attended the auction and saw 72 pieces selected from more than 200,000 entries. One piece that caught her eye was one by Mia Paz Katy ISD of Leon Coffee. The piece entitled "Rodeo Legend" was a painting of a barrel man, clown, and bullfighter who are intricate in rodeo history. Both Leon Coffee and Mia Paz received a standing ovation when they appeared in the Houston Rodeo Parade, in which Coffee was the 2023 Grand Marshall. The painting was auctioned for over $150,000.00. In addition, Coffee was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and is a true legend of the rodeo circuit.

Various subjects presented their art creating a panoramic view of western culture in Texas. "Boots at the Doorstep" is a monochromatic drawing by Allison Ambrosio of Pasadena ISD. Sydney Linton of Fort Bend ISD presented her "Now That’s Some Orange You Can Ride Into," which is a mixed medium. Junior High School student Ximin Liang of Fort Bend ISD showcased her "Chestnut." A live painting was also auctioned off for the afternoon.

The audience comprised art educators basking in the sun with their art students and collectors viewing the creative works of a generation to come. Youth volunteers worked to coordinate with seasoned rodeo volunteers to enhance the smooth, fast pace of selling auction. Put the art auction on your list of must-see rodeo events.

The Grand Champion Work of Art, a painting titled “Our Last Roundup” created by Mia Huckman, 18, of Lamar CISD, sold for $275,000, a new Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo record. Mia said this accomplishment is a dream come true.

The Reserve Grand Champion Work of Art was a painting named “Morning Dove” created by Eliza Hoffman, sold for $185,000 to Randa & Ray Gilliam, Mary & Ken Hucherson, Cheryl & Gary Deitcher and Andrea & Scott Fish.