In January, schools participating in the School Art Program compete in district shows judged by the Show's School Art Committee. The artwork is divided into three categories: elementary, junior high and high school.

Best of Show, Gold Medal and Special Merit awards are selected in each category. All work is eligible for the Show's School Art Auction.

In the Graphic Design Contest, students are encouraged to create a graphic design of a Western art-themed poster advertising the Rodeo’s School Art program. Entries are judged on originality, creativity, skill and effectiveness. Winning entries receive a cash award, and the overall winning design is printed and distributed to schools enrolled in the Rodeo’s School Art Program.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ School Art Committee hosts art contests at area children's hospitals, including Texas Children's Hospital, and The University of Texas MDAnderson Cancer Center Children's Cancer Hospital. These contests give children who are confined to hospitals for a time the chance to think beyond their hospital rooms by exploring their imagination and expressing themselves through art. 

The annual events are held during January. Beginning in October, the patients and their siblings create artwork that is judged by School Art Committee judges. Each young artist receives a ribbon, and the top two pieces of artwork in each age group are awarded a Best of Show or Gold Medal. The winning artwork is displayed in the Hayloft Gallery at NRG Center during the Show.  

Like barrel racing in the rodeo arena, the Quick Draw Contest is a competition against the clock. The contestants each are given an 11-inch-by-14-inch piece of paper to sketch their masterpiece in 50 minutes. The contest is split into two divisions: still life drawings for junior high, and portrait or full-figure for high school. 

Contestants do not have to be enrolled in an art class, but must be attending a school registered with the Show's School Art Program. The winners are displayed in the Hayloft Gallery during the Show.

High School Champion

• Eliza Hoffman
• Clear Creek ISD

Junior High Champion

• Matthew Uy
• Conroe ISD