Memorial High School Artists Shine in Houston Rodeo Art Program

For many Texans, the rodeo is more than an event—it is an age-old tradition reflected in music, food, and art. At Memorial High School, that tradition comes to life in the art room, where students spend months preparing artwork for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program. For more than 50 years, the program has challenged students across Texas to celebrate Western culture through art. Open to students from Pre-K through 12th grade, it supports nearly 130 school districts in the Houston area. With thousands of submissions each year, earning recognition is a major achievement.

According to AP Art teacher Elisa Barry, preparation for the competition begins early. “We start early fall looking for original photographs that students can use for their projects,” Barry said. These photos serve as the foundation for original artwork while meeting strict competition guidelines.

Doting Mama by Kassia Tan, which won best of show.

This year, Memorial students earned top honors. Senior Kassia Tan received Best of Show for Doting Mama, while juniors Arkana Anwar and Annabelle Cai both earned Gold Medals for The Quiet Cup and Peek A Boo.

Barry said watching students succeed is deeply rewarding. “I feel like a proud parent,” she said. “Students put so much time into their works. Some of them work for months planning and completing their pieces.”

Anwar’s Gold Medal–winning piece reflects her focus on quiet, introspective moments in Western life. “Often, the most beautiful moments in the West are small, quiet, yet invoke a deep sense of reflection and appreciation,” she said. This year, her work centered on close-up portraits rather than action-filled scenes. “I wanted to invoke a sense of reflection and calm—emotions I think we all need more of right now.”

The Quiet Cup by Arkana Anwar, which won a Gold Medal.

Barry explained that while the competition has a clear Western theme, students are encouraged to maintain their own artistic voices. “The subject matter makes this competition unique,” she said. “Students decide on what they want to work with and what will work best for their project.” This flexibility allows individual styles to stand out within the traditional framework.

From the beginning of her process, Anwar focused on contrast. “I wanted to focus on contrast as the main driver for a stark and reflective moment,” she said. She worked from dark shadows to lighter values, using vibrant color to create emotional depth. The piece challenged her more than previous work. “This painting was arguably the most challenging one because of all the intricate details,” Anwar said.

She noted that the extreme contrast pushed her beyond her comfort zone, but ultimately helped her grow. “I’m really glad I finished it since it’s definitely influenced how I approach painting now.” Finding out she had won a Gold Medal was especially meaningful. “I felt very grateful and fulfilled,” Anwar said. After earning a Special Merit Award last year, she hoped to improve. “I was really hoping to break into the gold medal range this year.”

Peek A Boo by Annabelle Cai, which won a Gold Medal.

Barry emphasized the broader impact of the program. Winning students may earn scholarships or attend programs such as the Western Art Academy or the Glassell School of Art. Through dedication, mentorship, and creative risk-taking, Memorial High School artists continue to shine, proving that Texas tradition lives not only in the arena, but on the canvas as well.