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Western Art Contest

The Western Art Contest showcases the creativity and talent of high school students from across South Central Texas, offering a platform for the next generation of artists to share their vision of the American West. Through a variety of mediums—including painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media—these young artists capture the landscapes, traditions, and spirit that define Western heritage.

Each year, students from diverse backgrounds and communities submit original works, bringing fresh perspectives and personal stories to the competition. The result is a dynamic and inspiring collection that reflects both the legacy and evolving identity of the West.

Beyond the exhibition, the Western Art Contest creates meaningful opportunities for students to pursue their artistic goals. With significant scholarship funding awarded annually, the program recognizes excellence while helping participants take the next step in their education and creative careers.

Blending artistic expression with real-world impact, the Western Art Contest highlights the importance of supporting young talent and investing in the future of Texas students.

Important Dates

Registration

Thursday, October 1, 2026 - Online Registration Opens
Saturday, October 31, 2026 - Online Registration Closes
Registration link coming soon
*Not the deadline for a student to have a project completed*


Western Art Contest Weekend

Thursday - Friday, November 19 - 20, 2026 -
Finished artwork drop-off
Saturday, November 21, 2026 - Judging, closed to the public
Sunday, November 22, 2026 - Western Art Reception
1:00pm - 3:00pm: Open to the public with free admission beginning at noon, the reception invites students, parents, teachers, family, and friends to view all entries submitted in this year’s contest and discover who won this year’s class championship in Expo Hall 2
3:00pm - 4:00pm: Art check out in Expo Hall 2

All artwork not selected to be Champion in Class, Reserve Champion in Class or selected as a Museum Choice or People’s Choice must be picked up and checked out to the student or teacher following the Student Reception on Sunday afternoon. Artwork not picked up at that time may not be returned unless a special arrangement has been made in advance.

NOTE: The artwork selected to be the Champion in each Class will be retained by the Western Art Committee to be exhibited at The Briscoe Western Art Museum as well as during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in February in the Hall Of Fame. The Champion in Class artworks will not be returned to the contestants.

Artwork selected as Reserve Champions in Class, those pieces selected as a Museum Choice and the piece selected as the People’s Choice will be retained by the Western Art Committee to be exhibited at The Briscoe Western Art Museum beginning in January 2027 and during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in February. Artwork will be returned to the contestants at the end of March 2027.

Rules and Entry information

2025 - 2026 Western Art Contest Class Champions



2025 - 2026 Photography Contest Awards Photos

Photography Contest

The Photography Contest showcases the creativity and talent of high school students from across South Central Texas, offering a platform for the next generation of artists to share their vision of the American West.

Each year, students from diverse backgrounds and communities submit original works, bringing fresh perspectives and personal stories to the contest. The result is a dynamic and inspiring collection that reflects both the legacy and evolving identity of the West.

Beyond the exhibition, the Photography Contest creates meaningful opportunities for students to pursue their artistic goals. With significant scholarship funding awarded annually, the program recognizes excellence while helping participants take the next step in their education and creative careers.

Blending artistic expression with real-world impact, the Photography Contest highlights the importance of supporting young talent and investing in the future of Texas students.

Important Dates

Registration

Thursday, October 1, 2026 - Online Registration Opens
Saturday, October 31, 2026 - Online Registration Closes
Registration link coming soon

November - December: Photography Judging

Photography Awards

Sunday, February 21, 2026 - Photography Awards Reception and Ceremony
11:00am: Photography Awards Reception and Ceremony in the Auction Barn held on the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Fairgrounds

Rules and Entry information



Get Involved With Art Angels

Since 2010, the Art Angels have united to support scholarships through the Western Art Committee's annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Western Art and Photography Contests. Thanks to our members' generous donations, we provide scholarships to high school students whose artwork was chosen as one of 13 Art Division Champions and the Grand Champion Photography piece. As a thank you for becoming a member, every Art Angels are entered into a drawing for a piece of Championship artwork that is displayed at the Briscoe Western Art Museum and on the grounds of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

For a $50 donation, you will receive the exclusive Art Angel pin, with a new design each year and get the opportunity to win an original Championship piece. This program not only supports the students in our program, but the overall San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo scholarship fund.

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Western Art / Photography

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