The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Auction broke records as student artworks fetched hundreds of thousands, spotlighting young Texas talent.
HOUSTON — The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Auction set new records as donors bid hundreds of thousands of dollars to support young Texas artists.
The annual auction, held at NRG Arena, featured top student artwork selected from a statewide competition that includes more than 200,000 students.
“We are going to make history,” School Art Auction Committee Chairman Tom Laird said as he opened the event.
The 2026 auction delivered on that promise, setting two Rodeo records.
Grand champion artwork sells for record $525,000
Joshua Washington, a senior at Pasadena Memorial High School, earned Grand Champion Work of Art for his painting “Between Boots and Moccasins.”
The piece sold for a record-breaking $525,000, far surpassing last year’s winning bid of $276,000.
The winning donor group included J Alan Kent Development — Julie and Alan Kent; Kristina and Paul Somerville; Jennifer, Joe and Bob Van Matre; and Randa and Ray Gilliam.
“When you think about it, more than 200,000 kids participated in the competitions, so everyone is a winner,” donor Paul Somerville said. “They all took on a task and completed it. That just represents the rest of all these wonderful kids who are learning how to do something meaningful for their future.”
Washington is no stranger to the Rodeo. This marked the fifth time he qualified for the prestigious auction.
“This painting is about cultural harmony,” Washington said. “I thought this would touch people’s hearts.”
Reserve grand champion artwork sells for $300,000
Mingyi Li of Clements High School earned Reserve Grand Champion Work of Art for her colored drawing titled “Head On.”
Her artwork sold for $300,000, another Rodeo record and a significant increase from last year’s $200,000 reserve grand champion bid.
The donor group included Cheryl and Gary Deitcher; Terry and Dr. Joe Agris; Hogue Landscape Services — Laura and Matthew Hogue; and Reytec Construction — Gregg T. Reyes.
“It’s more than an auction — it’s about the kids and the program,” donor Matthew Hogue said. “These students are incredible, and getting to know them and purchase their artwork is something we value deeply.”
Li said her artwork was inspired by a visit to George Ranch Historical Park while gathering reference photos.
During the visit, she saw two cows running directly toward her camera — a moment she wanted to capture.
“I wanted to capture the spirit of pushing forward, even when the odds are against you,” Li said.
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