The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo celebrated 90 budding artists from across Texas in its School Art Program, spotlighting top talents.
HOUSTON — The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo recognized 90 student artists from across Texas during its annual School Art Program Awards Ceremony, highlighting some of the top young artistic talent in the state.
The honorees include Class Champions, Reserve Class Champions, Class Premium winners and Reserve Class Premium winners in categories such as Colored Drawing, Mixed Medium, Monochromatic, Painting, 3-D art, as well as Elementary and Junior High divisions.
The 2026 Grand Champion Work of Art was awarded to Joshua Washington of Pasadena Memorial High School for his painting, “Between Boots and Moccasins.”
The 2026 Reserve Grand Champion Work of Art was awarded to Mingyi Li of Clements High School for a colored drawing titled “Head On.”
According to Rodeo officials, about 200,000 students representing 151 Texas school districts and private schools participated in this year’s School Art Program. Teachers submitted nearly 4,000 pieces of artwork to NRG Center for preliminary judging.
Judges selected 796 works to advance to the final round, ultimately choosing 90 pieces to be featured in the School Art Auction.
The program is designed to promote awareness of agriculture, Western heritage and rodeo traditions through student art competitions. Since its launch in 1965, the School Art Program has received more than 10 million entries.
Winning artwork will be displayed in the Hayloft Gallery in the lobby of NRG Center throughout the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The School Art Auction is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the NRG Arena Sales Pavilion.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.
