6 Producing artworks that garner higher acclaim with each passing year, the FWSSR Youth Art Contest exhibitors again made a strong impression on the competition’s officials, judges and attendees of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America’s annual exhibition and sale. Some of Texas’ most creative youth entered 2,028 works of art in the 2025 Youth Art Contest that awarded more than $80,000 in scholarships and cash awards. Entries from youth ages five to 19 ranged from colored pencil drawings to mixed media reflecting the spirit and semblance of the Stock Show and its legendary western heritage. Winning pieces will be showcased in the Amon G. Carter Exhibits Hall during the 23-day run of the Stock Show, with the remaining artworks exhibited at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. “It’s amazing that every year the contest seems to top the year before,” said Debbie Head, co-chairman of the FWSSR’s Guns & Roses Committee which oversees the contest. “Being able to see the depth of talent demonstrated during this contest is a highlight of the year for me.” Co-chairman Kate Johnson echoed those thoughts, saying, “It truly is a privilege to provide these young Texas artists with an opportunity to create art, have it exhibited at a major public venue and compete for scholarships. Most importantly, we want them to know that just by entering, they’ve taken an important step in their journeys of sharing their creative talents and inspiring others.” Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion and first-place winners in each division also received the distinction of having their work displayed at the Cowboy Artist of America (CAA) Exhibition and Sale October 31-November 2 where their works were available for purchase by art collectors from across the nation. Grand Champion honors and a $10,000 scholarship went to Breckenridge, Texas home schooler Providence Ezell for her stunning depiction of an escaramuza rider, which judges described as “beautifully representing Texas heritage with its stark composition and texture of ruffles, along with complimentary colors.” She received an additional $3,000 from the sale of her work during the CAA exhibition. At 17, Ezell is already a FWSSR veteran, having competed in the Junior Breeding Heifer show in previous years. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Texas Junior Brahman Association and is working on earning her private pilot’s license. Ezell plans on attending Oklahoma State University and has her sights set on becoming a commercial airline pilot. In her spare time, she’ll continue working on her artwork and caring for her Brahman cattle herd. The nod for reserve grand champion went to 17-year-old Madelyn Teter from The Christian School in Castle Hills, Texas. Her watercolor, entitled FWSSR ART CONTEST ELEVATES THE CREATIVE TALENTS OF TEXAS YOUTH 6 “Escaramuza” by Providence Ezell “Diamondback Rattler, Helen Shaheen
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