Sophie Zhou, a rising senior at The Kinkaid School, made history as the first private school student to win the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s School Art Program Grand Champion title. Her oil and acrylic painting, Nurture, sold for a record-breaking $276,000 during the student art auction, topping last year’s record by $1,000.
Inspired by a photo her father took during a family road trip, Zhou spent about 70 to 80 hours over seven months creating the piece. “The lighting in that moment was just so beautiful. I knew I wanted to capture it on canvas,” she said.
Zhou, who began art lessons at age five, said she’s always been drawn to photorealism. “I love focusing on the smallest details. It’s really cool when someone thinks my painting is a photo,” she shared.
While she doesn’t plan to major in art, Zhou said she hopes to keep creating as a hobby while studying political science, public policy, or finance in college. She’s considering Duke and Georgetown.
Although she can’t compete for the top prize again next year due to her Grand Champion title, Zhou still plans to participate in the contest. “I’ll be entering again during my senior year. I’m thinking of trying mixed media or colored pencil next time, because I’m familiar with those mediums,” she said.
Zhou previously placed in the auction as a sophomore. “I didn’t expect to win at all this year. The other 89 pieces were incredible,” she said. “Even five months later, I’m still in shock.”
As the grand champion, Zhou received $38,000 from the sale, with the remainder going toward RodeoHouston scholarships. A print of her winning painting is now framed and displayed with her other artwork near the staircase of her family’s home. “My dad made a little gallery wall for my art. He’s really proud,” Zhou said.
This year’s auction featured 90 student works and raised $476,000 for scholarships—another record for the Rodeo’s long-standing art program.
Spotlight on the HLSR School Art Program
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s School Art Program, now in its 50‑plus‑year run, engages enthusiastic young artists from Pre‑K through grade 12 across roughly 130 school districts, including public, private, and parochial schools. Beginning with district‑level competitions each January, work is judged across elementary, junior high, and high school categories, and top submissions advance to be exhibited during RodeoHouston. Selected students may also enter the Quick Draw or graphic design challenge. Award winners can earn scholarships, travel‑based workshops at Houston’s prestigious Glassell School of Art, or credit‑earning experiences at the Western Art Academy in Kerrville. The top pieces move on to the high‑profile School Art Auction, supporting education and the arts.