A ‘Bucking Metal Bull’ sculpted by Canyon Lake High School (CLHS) senior Baten Evans sold for $14,000 at Rodeo Austin on March 26, a new record for the school.
Evans won first place in the sculpture/3D category. In February, he also placed first in the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo’s Western Art Contest, earning $10,000 in scholarship funds.
At Rodeo Austin, the bucking bull statuette sold for $6,000 at the rodeo’s auction, Comal ISD said in a press release today. A donor added another $8,000 to the sales price.
The sculpture was made from scrap metal and epoxy sculpt, Evans said. It was inspired by Austin Rodeo’s main logo.
“I was confident in my piece, but I was still very surprised to have won since there were so many brilliant pieces,” Evans said. “It means the world to me to have won both of these contests, because this is where my passion is heading. I am proud to see the potential I have for a great future.”
He plans to apply his $10,000 scholarship and $14,000 check towards college tuition and other needs for higher education.
Evans hopes to become an advanced artist with a career in welding, which would allow him to keep creating his art.
“I am very appreciative and thankful for all of my earnings and the great results that came out of each of t hem after the work it took to get my favorite pieces done,” he said.
CLHS art teacher Nell Anderson said she loves encouraging her students to participate in shows and events.
“Not everyone can win, but it gives hope to students to want to participate next year,” she said.
