HOUSTON, Texas – A Houston-area student attending The Kinkaid School made history during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s annual School Art Auction on Sunday when her painting sold for $276,000.
At the center of this year’s art auction was Sophie Zhou from The Kinkaid School, who took home the title of 2025 Grand Champion with her breathtaking piece, “Nurture.”
Sophie made history as the first private school student to earn this achievement. Her artwork, which sold for a record-breaking $276,000, beautifully captures a cow and her calf bathed in light, symbolizing the tender relationship between them.
The inspiration for this piece came from a photograph taken by her father.
“When I first saw the photo my dad took, I was really inspired by the lighting,” Sophie said. “I absolutely loved this nurturing relationship between the mother and her calf… it was really beautiful, and I wanted to display that in my artwork.”
Sophie has big plans for her future, aiming to work in corporate law or investment banking. She hopes to attend The University of Chicago, Georgetown University, or the University of Texas to major in economics or political science.
“I have been doing this forever,” said Shelley Mulanax, the donor who purchased the piece. “It is my heritage and something I have always done.” She added, “We just love helping the children. This is just an amazing organization. We always continue our legacy and the legacy of Rodeo.”
While Sophie took the grand prize, Hyewon (Joy) Park was celebrated as the 2025 School Art Reserve Grand Champion with her painting, “Night at the Arena,” which portrays a roping cowboy.
Joy has her sights set on a career in pediatric dentistry and dreams of owning her own art gallery.
“I’ve always loved working with little kids,” Joy 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.”
“I just love to see the kids, you know, and what they aspire to do,” said Cheryl Deitcher, a longtime donor. “We do this to help the kids.”
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