HOUSTON — It was a big day at RodeoHouston for a couple of talented high school artists, as their portraits were auctioned off.
Eliza Hoffman’s of Clear Creek ISD had the grand champion work of art, “Warriors of the Great Spirit.” It went at auction Sunday for $275,000, in a bid from Julie and Alan Kent of J. Alan Kent Development, Kristine and Paul Somerville, Shelly, Jerome, Allie, Abbie and Cameron Maddox and Bob Van Matre.
The reserve grand champion was Sion Joo of Pearland ISD, with her portrait of “Contant Companion.” It fetched $200,000 at auction, with the winning bid by Cheryl and Gary Deitcher and Terry and Dr. Joe Agris.
If Hoffman’s name sounds familiar, it should. Last year, her work of art, “Morning Dove” was named reserve grand champion.
“It’s so hard to go from (second to first place), so I just wanted to focus on how I could individually focus on the painting,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman said her artwork includes Native Americans because of the impact they’ve had on Western culture.
“They are the foundation of all of U.S. history,” she said.
Sion Joo, who was the reserve grand champion’s “Constant Companion” featured a farrier and dog. Joo got a bit of a surprise, as the Australian Shepherd featured in her artwork was at the auction.
The money earned supports scholarships and right now, around 2,300 students are on scholarships and attending more than 80 Texas colleges and universities.