Tomball Students display their talents at Rodeo Art
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is right around the corner, and its notorious Rodeo Art event is almost here. This event gives students from all different schools in the Houston area an opportunity to showcase their artwork in hopes of furthering their career, and the potential to receive a scholarship.
Ready to see what the new season brings, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo website released a statement explaining the meaning of the Rodeo Art program:
“Art education is seen as a tool to help nurture creative problem-solving skills and cognitive development. The Show recognizes the importance of extracurricular activities outside the core curriculum and the School Art Program aligns with the Show’s mission to support the education of Texas youth.”
Many THS students received awards in hopes to see their artwork make its way to the Rodeo’s auction.
“I drew a cow, and it was in colored pencil,” junior Madeline Rockey, who won the Best In Show award, said. “Now it goes to rodeo where it’s judged again, and [then] there’s a banquet, and I find out at the banquet if it goes to auction.”
Inspirations for this work came far and wide for many students’ entries. Whether it be drawing straight from a photograph or finding a muse in history, the students’ creativity and personality shined through in their pieces.
“She’s wearing this feather hat, it’s really long and pretty. It has a lot of feathers and colors,” junior Maria Trujillo said about her artwork, which received the Special Merit award. “I changed some of her face features to look more Native American, and I used a lot of oranges and different colors [to paint with] acrylic.”
Along with awards for their pieces, students receive a unique opportunity to take art classes at the Western Art Academy in Kerrville, Texas: “The workshop gives talented students an exciting chance to receive personal instruction in oil painting, drawing and sculpting from respected professional artists and to enjoy outside activities, including field trips to local art studios.”
“I think [the experience] is awesome because I went to the Rodeo in eighth grade and this is the first time in high school I’ve gotten to go,” senior Marie Pierce said, whose colored pencil drawing won the Special Merit award. “I’m really excited about it.”
Unmentioned Rodeo Art contestants from THS include Simone Ritchey (10) with a Special Merit award, Kaleigh Kerecman (10) with a Gold Medal award, and Brooke Green (12) with a Gold Medal award.
For more information and further details about upcoming events, go to www.rodeohouston.com.
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