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Sophie Zhou, a junior at The Kincaid School, was one of dozens of student artists to have their work selected to be auctioned off in the rodeo’s annual charity event to raise money for college scholarships and Texas educational programs.
For the first time in the history of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s school art competition, a private-school student was named as the grand champion. And her work sold for a record-setting amount.
A painting by Sophie Zhou, a junior at The Kinkaid School, sold for an event-record $276,000 during Sunday’s art auction.
Zhou was one of dozens of student artists to have their work selected to be auctioned off in the rodeo’s annual charity event to raise money for college scholarships and Texas educational programs. Not only was Zhou the first private-school student to be named grand champion, but the winning bid for her artwork beat out last year’s record-setting bid by $1,000.
Zhou’s painting “Nurture” depicts a cow and a calf sitting together as a light shines down on them.
According to the rodeo, the painting was inspired by a photo Zhou’s father took.
“When I first saw the photo my dad took, I was really inspired by the lighting,” Zhou said in a statement released by the rodeo. “I absolutely loved how this nurturing relationship between the mother and her calf … it was really beautiful and I wanted to display that in my artwork.”
Zhou said she plans to pursue a career in corporate law or investment banking, according to the rodeo. She also hopes to attend the University of Chicago, Georgetown University or the University of Texas after high school.
The winning bid for Zhou’s work was placed by a group of donors: Kristina and Paul Somerville; J Alan Kent Development; Jennifer, Joe and Bob Van Matre; and Shelly, Jerome, Allie, Abbie and Cameron Mulanax.
A rodeo spokesperson did not immediately respond to an inquiry Monday seeking to determine how the auction proceeds would be used. Students artists in previous years have received portions of the winning bids for their work.
Joy Park, a senior at Fort Bend ISD’s Elkins High School, received the honor of reserve grand champion for her artwork “Night at the Arena,” which depicts a roping cowboy on horseback.
The $200,000 winning bid for “Night at the Arena” was placed by Cheryl and Gray Deitcher; Hogue Landscape Services; Terry and Dr. Joe Agris; and Lisa Scheller.
Park plans to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry.
“I’ve always loved working with little kids,” Park said. “When I was younger, I used to teach little kids art. I want to major in biology in college, so connecting the two, I want to become a pediatric dentist.”
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