Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program
2014-2015
HEART has participated for many years now in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR)
School Art competition. It’s an excellent opportunity for homeschooled children to gain
experience in a positive, competitive art competition with other children their age, whether they
are schooled publicly or privately. Many of our students have done very well in past years, and I
am anticipating an equally excellent showing again this year.
HEART will once again be allowed to take 10 pieces of art (2D or 3D) to the district level
competition the beginning of January. Since we do not have a December meeting, we will be
holding our own art show during the normal November meeting. The 10 pieces that are chosen
during that competition will be taken to the district show in January. The winning pieces of art in
each category of that competition will be displayed in the Hayloft Gallery during the 2015 HLSR
in March. At the High School level there are opportunities for cash awards and scholarships.
All of the rules and regulations can be found on the HLSR website, but for your convenience I
have included the important highlights so that your student can get started. If your student is in
High School, I recommend you go on line and read all of the rules pertaining to that age group.
Since the winning piece or “Grand Champion” can win as much as $38,000, it is imperative your
student’s artwork follow all of the guidelines and does not become disqualified due to an
oversight in the rules.
Please note that this year no compound artwork is allowed. In other words, if it requires
scissors and glue, it is not allowed. There are a lot of rules around judging and required
paperwork, however, I will work with you directly should your student’s artwork be chosen to
attend the district show. I have included a list of places to find subject matter, but it certainly is
not all-inclusive. Please make sure your student follows the rules for the “source” of his or her
artwork.
Please feel free to contact me with specific questions, preferably by email, and I will be happy to
help you in any way possible. The link for the program rules is http://www.rodeohouston.com/
ExhibitorContestant/SchoolArt.aspx, You can download all of the needed information.
I look forward to seeing you at the November meeting.
In Him,
Elesa Mason
Section 1: General Guidelines – All Entries
All students and teachers should review the rules and guidelines carefully. Questions may be directed to
your district chairman. Artwork that does not comply with these rules will be disqualified.
ENTRIES
1. Artwork must be started after the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year and completed prior to
the January judging date for your school/school district.
2. Only the student may work on his or her artwork under the supervision and critique of a teacher of
the student’s school or school district. A student may work on the artwork outside the classroom
environment but may not receive instruction, guidance, or critique from anyone other than the
supervising teacher (for example, a private instructor, teacher, or professional advisor).
3. Artwork created under the supervision of any person, teacher, or instructor outside the registered
school district or private school is not eligible for the School Art Program competition.
4. Artwork must be titled.
5. Artwork must NOT be signed.
ARTWORK RESTRICTIONS
1. Certain subjects are considered unacceptable for the School Art Program competition. Artwork
depicting these subjects will be disqualified. The subjects include:
1. Any subject matter that, in the sole judgment of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,
is highly controversial or may detract from the general character of the Show (i.e., the
Confederate flag, items with profanity or of a lewd nature).
2. Satanic or violent art
3. Nudes and inappropriate or suggestive clothing, or a lack thereof.
2. Certain types, styles and methods of artwork are not permitted in the School Art Program
competition. Artwork of these types, styles or methods will be disqualified. These include:
1. Jewelry (including necklaces, pendants, rings, and belt buckles)
2. Photographic work
3. Wood burning
4. Artwork created on glass, mirror, plastic or any reflective material that would cause
difficulty in photographing the artwork.
3. Certain materials may not be used in artwork submitted to the School Art Program competition.
Artwork using any of these materials will be disqualified. These materials include:
1. Loose sand (must be glued)
2. Glitter glue or glitter of any kind
3. Plastic figures
4. Wax
5. Living things (for example, plants or insects)
6. Beads
7. Commercial, newsprint, stencils, rub-on letter or any printed or photographed material
8. Any fragile material that easily breaks or may be damaged when transported
9. Pre-packaged or pre-cut craft or art kits
10. Any man made products (for example, rope or leather)
4. Images traced by hand or with the use of an overhead or opaque projector or any other
electronic or mechanical device are prohibited. Artwork that incorporates traced images
will be disqualified.
Section 2: Rules and Regulations – 2-D High School Entries
All students and teachers should review the rules and guidelines carefully. Questions may be directed to
your district chairman. Artwork that does not comply with these rules will be disqualified.
ENTRIES
A student may enter one 2-D Class. A student whose artwork was previously selected as Grand
Champion may not submit 2-D artwork in the same class. The student may submit artwork in another 2-D
class. The 2D classes are:
1. Colored Drawing: Colored pencil, pastels, crayons, conte, chalks.
2. Mixed Medium: The use of any mixture of two or more mediums, for example, watercolor with
pencil or pen and ink with watercolor.
3. Monochromatic Drawing: The use of one color and variations of the same color, for example a
lead pencil drawing, charcoal drawing or a drawing made with one color pencil.
4. Painting: All mediums applied by brush or palette knife, such as oil, watercolor, ink washes,
acrylics, tempera, designer colors, gouache, inks and dyes.
2-D ARTWORK GUIDELINES
1. Acceptable mediums include:
a. Pastels
h. Oil paint
b. Acrylic paint
i. Pen
c.
j. Air brush
Ink
d. Chalk
k. Pencil
e. Watercolor
l. Dye
f.
m. Conte
Magic markers
g. Charcoal
2. The minimum dimensions for 2-D artwork are 11” X 14” including up to 31⁄2” mat.
3. The maximum dimensions for 2-D artwork are 18” X 24” including up to 31⁄2” mat.
4. Charcoal, pastels, and lead pencil drawings must be fixed and must not smear.
5. All artwork must be completely dry before the district show.
6. Artwork must be matted or mounted unless the artwork is created on canvas with wooden stretcher
frames.
1.
If matted, the mat cannot exceed 31⁄2 inches on any side. Multiple matting is acceptable, but total
width of any matting must not exceed the 31⁄2 inches.
2.
If matted, the mat must be affixed in a way that it can be removed without damaging the artwork.
Mats will be removed from artwork that advances to auction.
3.
If mounted, use a product like tag board that is sturdy enough to prevent sagging.
4.
Paintings on canvas with wooden stretcher frames must have a hook or wire on the back for
hanging. These should be affixed so that they do not damage other artwork if multiple pieces are
stacked.
7. Artwork may not be framed.
8. No second surface artwork is permitted.
9. Artwork must NOT be signed.
10. All artwork must be the student’s original composition, content and individual expression.
a. Published images MAY NOT be reproduced in whole or part and used as the student’s primary
reference source (main image). Published images include, but are not limited to, drawings, sketches,
or photographs published electronically (ebooks, mobile apps, web sites, etc.) or in print
(magazines, books, brochures, etc.).
i. Releases to use published or copyrighted images will not be accepted.
b. Student’s MAY use published images (electronic or print) as a secondary reference source. Secondary
reference sources should never be the main image of the artwork and should not be directly reproduced
in whole or part. They may only be used as a frame of reference for backgrounds and/or in support of the
main image.
i. Secondary reference sources must be clearly marked on the back of the source. Required information
is as follows:
1. a) Print source – Name of the source, the date the source was published, the page number
where the image can be found.
2. b) Electronic source – Name of the site/source, website address, date the image was
downloaded and printed.
c. If artwork is an exact copy of a photograph (primary reference source), the photograph(s) must
be taken by the student; or under the student’s direction, by an immediate family member, a fellow
student, or by a teacher. Other photographs may be used as long as the image does not constitute
the main idea of the artwork.
i. The source of EACH photograph should be clearly marked in accordance with the “Source Information”
form. School Art representatives should be able to easily tell which photograph is being referred to on the
form.
4.
Trademarked logos, slogans and licensed characters are not permitted.
5.
Original ideas from the student’s imagination must be supported by a visual reference (for
example, preliminary sketches).
6. Visual references obtained from students who participated in the Western Art Academy may not
be used by any student who participates in the School Art Program.
Section 4: Rules and Regulations – Elementary & Junior High Entries
All students and teachers should review the rules and guidelines carefully. Questions may be directed to
your district chairman. Artwork that does not comply with these rules will be disqualified.
ENTRIES
Each student may enter one piece of two dimensional (2-D) art in the School Art competition.
2-D ARTWORK GUIDELINES
1. The acceptable mediums are:
1. Construction paper j.
2. Pastels k.
3. Acrylic paint l.
4. Ink m.
5. Chalk n.
6. Watercolor o.
7. Magic markers p.
8. Cloth q.
9. Charcoal
3. The minimum dimensions for 2-D artwork are 11” X 14” including up to 31⁄2” mat.
4. The maximum dimensions are 18” X 24” including up to 31⁄2” mat.
5. Charcoal, pastels and lead pencil drawings must be fixed and must not smear.
a. All artwork must be completely dry before the district show.
b. No framed artwork will be allowed.
c.
No second surface artwork is permitted. (Collages with scissors and glue i.e.)
d. Artwork must NOT be signed.
12. All artwork must be the student’s original composition and content and individual expression.
a. Published images MAY NOT be reproduced in whole or part and used as the student’s primary
reference source. Published images include, but are not limited to, drawings, sketches, or photographs
published electronically (ebooks, mobile apps, web sites, etc.) or in print (magazines, books,
brochures, etc.).
i. Releases to use published or copyrighted images will not be accepted.
2. Student’s MAY use published images (electronic or print) as a secondary reference source.
Secondary reference sources should never be the main idea of the artwork and should not be
directly reproduced in whole or part. They may only be used as a frame of reference for
backgrounds and/or in support of the main image.
3. Trademarked logos, slogans and licensed characters are not permitted.
3-D ARTWORK GUIDELINES
1. The acceptable 3-D mediums that can be used at the Elementary and Junior High level are:
1. Chicken wire
2. Fibers (for example, weaving, appliqué, etc)
3. Plaster
4. Paper-mache
2. 3-D artwork may not exceed 16 inches in height, width or depth including the base/easel.
3. 3-D artwork may not exceed 15 pounds in total weight.
4. All 3-D artwork must be durable and well made.
1. Clay used must be of good quality and sculpture must be of sound construction.
2. The artwork must be able to withstand repeated transporting and handling.
5. The artwork should stand on its own or have a base for support.
1. A base is required for artwork made from clay. Do not totally cover the base with clay as this
makes handling very difficult.
2. If a base is used, the artwork must be securely fastened to the base.
3. Artwork cannot be top heavy and must sit solidly on its base or bottom.
6. Fragile 3-D artwork subject to damage is not eligible for participation in the program. If damage
occurs to any 3-D artwork, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is not responsible for repairs.
Damaged artwork will be disqualified.
7. 3-D artwork cannot be cast.
8. No molds may be used (only hand tools may be used).
9. If air-dry clay is used, it must be completely dry prior to the district judging event. A minimum of 10
days drying time is recommended.
10. Bas-relief is acceptable, but the artwork must be presented so that all sides can be viewed (for
example, on an easel or pedestal).
11. Teachers or school representatives are responsible for providing boxes and padding for winning
artwork that can be used for packing and transporting the 3-D artwork to Grand Prix. The
student’s artwork number should be on the bottom of the box and on the bottom of the 3-D
artwork.
12.
All unfired clay sculpture must have an armature throughout the interior.
13. All artwork
must be the student’s original composition and content and individual expression.
a. Published images MAY NOT be reproduced in whole or part and used as the student’s primary reference
source. Published images include, but are not limited to, drawings, sketches, or photographs published
electronically (ebooks, mobile apps, web sites, etc.) or in print (magazines, books, brochures, etc.).
i. Releases to use published or copyrighted images will not be accepted.
2. Student’s MAY use published images (electronic or print) as a secondary reference source.
Secondary reference sources should never be the main idea of the artwork and should not be
directly reproduced in whole or part. They may only be used as a frame of reference for
backgrounds and/or in support of the main image.
3. Trademarked logos, slogans and licensed characters are not permitted.
Listed below are suggested references for use as source material for entries in the Houston Livestock
Show and RodeoTM School Art competition. Other sources are acceptable; the references listed are
intended to inspire your own creativity and original thought. Do not rely on past winners as guidance for
selecting your subject matter.
Remember to adhere to the guidelines around source material when developing your subject (e.g., by
photographing your subject or the inspiration for your artwork).
1. Dress a model (little brother, sister, cousin, etc.) in Western or Native American gear.
2. Use your personal photos of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Downtown Rodeo
Parade, the Trail Ride.
3. Observe one of the many trail rides that occur throughout Texas all year long.
4. Visit a small town rodeo, county fair or state fair and photograph events or exhibits.
5. Visit the George Ranch in Ft. Bend County to observe blacksmithing, branding, etc.
6. Visit working farms or ranches.
7. Attend events at Houston Farm & Ranch in Harris County.
8. Take a day trip to a small Texas town (Brenham, Chappell Hill, Goliad, Gonzales) to observe
architecture and historical locations.
9. Visit historic places throughout Texas (the State Capitol building in Austin, the Alamo or Mercado
in San Antonio, Fort Davis, the San Jacinto Monument, etc.).
10. Visit western wear shops, tack shops, boot makers and hat makers.
11. Capture a Texas road view: old cattle baron homes, out buildings, windmills, oil wells, horses,
cattle, livestock, etc.
12. Visit the Fort Worth stockyards or train station.
13. Make arrangements to visit famous ranches – King Ranch, 4 Sixes, etc.
14. Observe the Alabama/Coushatta Tribe of Texas.
15. Visit San Augustine County to observe logging history and operations.
16. Visit antique stores and create still lifes.
17. Visit historic hotels (i.e. the Prince Sohms Inn in New Braunfels).
18. Arrange Western or Native American gear or artifacts to create a still life.
19. Visit historic missions in San Antonio, Goliad and other Texas towns.
20. Visit old churches, stores, Pony Express stops, saloons, railroad depots.
21. Visit Sam Houston State Park.
22. Approach local people who may have a story to tell.
23. Depict seasonal or holiday Western scenes.
24. Visit the Texas State Railroad in Rusk or Palestine.
25. Visit the historic dance halls across the state of Texas.
26. Observe old west musicians and musical instruments (i.e. fiddles, harmonicas, washboards, etc.).
27. Visit Brazos Bend State Park.
28. Depict Texas Rangers, marshals, lawmen, traveling judges.
29. Learn about the Gold Rush days (miners, mining camps, etc.).
30. Research wagon trains, pack trains, stage coaches, freight wagons, etc.
31. Research trading Posts, trappers, buffalo hunters.
32. Research Native American villages, teepees, hunting parties, dancing, rituals and ceremonies,
ruins, artifacts, warriors/chiefs/medicine men/any tribal members, army scouts, Buffalo Soldiers,
etc.
33. Observe wild horses/mustangs (Port Aransas Nature Reserve), cattle herding/branding/roping,
etc.
34. Research battles, shipwrecks, explorers, forts, missions, frontier scenes and visit historic places
and monuments.
35. Research historical figures from the old West era.
36. Observe re-enactments at San Jacinto Monument.
37. Photograph barns, log cabins, rail fences, corrals, etc.
38. Photograph farming equipment (tractors, plows, oxen, mules).