The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Auction set new records at its 2026 event, with student artworks attracting unprecedented bids from donor groups. The grand champion piece, a painting titled 'Between Boots and Moccasins' by Pasadena Memorial High School senior Joshua Washington, sold for a record $525,000, nearly doubling the previous year's top sale. The auction, held at NRG Arena, showcases artwork selected from a statewide competition involving over 200,000 students, highlighting the program's scale and impact on young Texas artists.
Reserve grand champion honors went to Mingyi Li of Clements High School for her colored drawing 'Head On,' which sold for $300,000, also a record for that category. Donors emphasized the event's focus on supporting student development and celebrating their achievements, rather than merely acquiring art. Both winning artists described the personal inspiration behind their works, with Washington aiming to depict cultural harmony and Li capturing a moment of determined movement inspired by a visit to a historical ranch.