What began in the mid-1960s as a Go Texan Poster Contest that drew 700 entries has evolved into a School Art Contest that in 1997 had more than 300,000 entries. Today, approximately 80 independent school districts and 60 private and parochial schools are involved in the Show's School Art Program.
Melinda Ruman, chairman of the School Art Committee, explained the committee's fundamental mission: "For 30 years the main goal of School Art has been to provide interest and participation in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to area students that other programs cannot reach. An inner-city child or apartment dweller has little opportunity to get involved in livestock competition. Aware of the need to foster all Houston-area students, Show officials have bestowed unwavering support to this committee." There are defined guidelines for students to follow. Entries must have Western themes and fall into one of the following classes: color, mixed medium, monochromatic, painting and sculpture. Artists are not allowed assistance in the creation of their works. Ruman utilizes the committee's finely honed organizational skills to manage the huge competition. During the numerous district shows, 40 judges from the committee choose from more than 21,000 art entries. District competition is held at three levels: elementary, junior high and high school. Each level receives one "Best of Show" and up to two "Gold Medal" awards. Cher-ished "Special Merit" awards are reserved for exceptional 12th-grade entries. All entries receive ribbons, but only those pieces deemed the best are brought to the Show for public exhibition in the Hayloft Gallery, located in the Astrohall. The 1998 School Art Committee will send 60 winners, up from 40 in 1997, to the prestigious Houston Museum of Fine Arts Glassell Junior Summer Workshop for one week. "We achieved our goal of participation expansion," explained Ruman, who regards these programs as premier training. She added, "This year the Show is sponsoring 20 students in the Cowboy Artists of America Summer Workshop in Kerrville, Texas, for three weeks of intensive instruction in oil painting and sculpture from Western artists." This is an increase of 12 from past years. Jerry Johnston Andrew, officer in charge, called the School Art Committee a brilliant, diversified group. "I'm struck by the tremendous respect and admiration these members have, not only for art and education, but also for each other," said Andrew. The final focus of this 178 member committee is the School Art Auction, held on the last Sunday of the Show. Ruman's enthusiasm for this third annual event is understandable. She served as division chairman over the first and highly successful auction in 1996. In 1997, the auction raised $460,400. "That auction exceeded our dreams," she said, " and allowed a substantial contribution of $406,400 directly to the Show's Educational Fund." Four, four-year, $10,000 scholarships and four, one-year, $2,500 scholarships are reserved for School Art winners who meet certain academic criteria. Andrew added, "Every past chairman still works on this committee! This remarkable group and Melinda Ruman's abilities, combined with the wonderful help from other committees within the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, made developing our auction much easier. This is a great time to thank them and all the supporters of School Art." Andrew summed up her feelings -- "I love this committee."
|
|||||
Letters and comments should be sent to: |
|||||
er
young heart pounded. The anxious 13-year-old, who had just moved from California
to Texas, endured the unfamiliar territory. "That first Monday at Knox
Junior High was tough for Danielle," recalled mom, Sue Campbell, "but
before the week ended, our seventh grader was happily engrossed in Mrs.
Lundsford's art class project. I credit the Houston Rodeo's School Art Contest
as the catalyst for my daughter's love of Texas." The blue ribbon is
still among her bedroom treasures. Now a Woodlands High School art student,
Danielle's 1998 entry will be among hundreds of thousands submitted by Houston
area schools' budding artists whose ages range from 5 to 19.
