Young artists broke records at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art auction, with Sophie Zhou’s piece selling for $276,000.
HOUSTON — Young Texas artists took center stage on Sunday at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rode School Art Auction, as donors came together to support their creative talents.
This year’s auction shattered records, with Grand Champion Sophie Zhou’s artwork selling for an unprecedented $276,000.
Zhou, a student at The Kinkaid School, made history as the first private school student to win the Grand Champion title. Her award-winning piece, “Nurture,” depicts a cow and her calf bathed in light, capturing the intimate bond between the two. Inspired by a photograph taken by her father, Zhou transformed the moment into an evocative work of art.
“When I first saw the photo my dad took, I was really inspired by the lighting,” Zhou said. “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.”
The piece was purchased by a group of donors, including Kristina and Paul Somerville, J Alan Kent Development’s Julie and Alan Kent, Jennifer, Joe, and Bob Van Matre, as well as Shelly, Jerome, Allie, Abbie, and Cameron Mulanax. Mulanax, a longtime supporter of the Rodeo, expressed her passion for giving back.
“I have been doing this forever,” Mulanax said. “It is my heritage and something I have always done.”
Zhou, who plans to pursue a career in corporate law or investment banking, hopes to attend The University of Chicago, Georgetown University, or the University of Texas, majoring in economics or political science.
The Reserve Grand Champion, “Night at the Arena,” was created by Hyewon (Joy) Park of Fort Bend ISD. The piece, a striking portrait of a roping cowboy, sold for $200,000 to donors Cheryl and Gary Deitcher, Hogue Landscape Services’ Laura and Matthew Hogue, Terry and Dr. Joe Agris, and Lisa Scheller.
Park, who has a passion for both art and working with children, aspires to become a pediatric dentist and own an art gallery.
“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.”
Longtime donor Cheryl Deitcher emphasized the importance of supporting young artists.
“I just love to see the kids, you know, and what they aspire to do,” Deitcher said. “We do this to help the kids.”
Since its founding in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has contributed more than $630 million toward youth education in Texas. The 2025 Rodeo runs from March 4 – March 23, with the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 1.
