Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Auction Breaks Record, Katy ISD Students Earn Over $125,000 in Sales
Four Katy Independent School District students took the spotlight at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) School Art Auction, contributing to a historic year that saw the Grand Champion artwork sell for a record-breaking $276,000. Collectively, the Katy ISD artists’ work brought in more than $125,000, underscoring the district’s growing prominence in one of Texas’ most prestigious student art competitions.
Two Katy ISD students earned the Class Premium Champion title in their respective media categories, a significant distinction in the annual rodeo art event that draws thousands of entries from across the state.
“The Rodeo Art Auction is a major showcase for student artwork in Houston, and we are so proud of our auction honorees,” said Laura Simoneaux, assistant director of fine arts in Katy ISD. “Congratulations to their teachers, as well, for inspiring these talented young artists to earn this achievement.”
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The following student artists represented Katy ISD at the 2025 HLSR School Art Auction:
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Fernando Cen Chang, Tompkins High School – “Golden Awe”, Class Premium Champion – Colored Drawing– $35,000
Teacher: Christie Skinner -
Ashlyn Low, Jordan High School – “The View from the Top”, Class Premium Champion – Mixed Media – $31,000
Teacher: Katrina Cerk -
Madison Huang, Tompkins High School – “Nature’s Glow” – $35,000
Teacher: Christie Skinner -
Liana Hosseinifar, Tompkins High School – “Ties that Bind” – $26,000
Teacher: Christie Skinner
The standout performance by Katy ISD students is part of a broader celebration of youth talent showcased each year at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s School Art Auction. In 2025, the Grand Champion piece—a painting titled “Nurture” by Sophie Zhou of The Kinkaid School—garnered a record-setting bid of $276,000. The winning bid was supported by donors Kristina & Paul Somerville, J Alan Kent Development – Julie & Alan Kent, Jennifer, Joe & Bob Van Matre, and Shelly, Jerome, Allie, Abbie & Cameron Mulanax.
“The View from the Top” by Ashlyn Low.The Houston Rodeo School Art Program has been a cornerstone of the event for over 50 years, offering students from Pre-K through 12th grade opportunities to compete in district art shows, win scholarships, attend summer workshops, and display their artwork in the Hayloft Gallery. Each January, student submissions are judged by the School Art Committee in categories divided by grade level—elementary, junior high, and high school. Top pieces are then selected for prestigious honors such as Best of Show, Gold Medal, and Special Merit, and may advance to the final auction.
Today, the program includes approximately 130 school districts, including private and parochial schools throughout the Houston area. Its goal is to foster creativity, artistic growth, and academic achievement while providing a professional-level platform for young Texas artists.
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| "Nature's Glow" by Madison Huang | "Ties that Bind" by Liana Hosseinifar |
The 2025 auction not only highlighted the exceptional talent of student artists like those from Katy ISD but also marked a record-setting moment for the Houston Rodeo art community, reinforcing the event’s role as one of the top student art showcases in Texas.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
