Museums and the rodeo might sound like an unlikely match, but of course the Briscoe Western Art Museum had to get in on the fun. Its crossover with the rodeo includes a student art competition, plus an activation at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo itself.
The Art of the Rodeo: Student Western Art Competition Exhibition is being shown at the Briscoe before heading off to be judged at the rodeo grounds. There are a few layers to this competition, which allows work to be shown throughout the duration of the rodeo, both at the event and at the museum.
"untamed storm," a winning work in colored pencil by Lorelai SmithPhoto courtesy of the Briscoe Western Art Museum
There are 25 entries to be shown; 13 were competition winners, and 12 were selected by the museum. The former will travel to the rodeo grounds, while the latter stay on display at the Briscoe until February 23. The annual contest gathers work from 183 South Texas school districts, as well as non-public school students in 54 counties.
Photos shared by the museum include very mature works — they are the "best in show," after all, according to a press release — depicting longhorns, boots, riders, and other similar themes. The works span several types of media from paintings, to graphite, to digital photo manipulation. Some of the works are sculptures, like a dramatic rendition of a shovel beheading a snake and an intricate wooden model of a saloon.
"Kairotic," a selected work in metal by Madeleine Patten
The Briscoe will be following the winning works to the rodeo grounds, bringing its own fun and specials. It'll tote over its giant inflatable bison for visitors to take pictures with, and the bison will help give out admission discounts. Anyone who scans the QR code on the display will receive a 50 percent discount on tickets purchased by February 23 and used before September 30.
Tourists drawn by the rodeo can also check out the museum's gift store for souvenirs.
Other exhibitions and showings this month include a special screening of Black Western musical Harlem on the Prairie on February 9, and a painting workshop celebrating Valentine’s Day and Día del Amor y la Amistad on February 13.
