Much like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo sponsors an art contest for kids, the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows gives student artists the chance to show their stuff alongside the champion pedigreed dogs that start hitting the runways today.
In the 22nd annual Mari Jon Filla Student Art Exhibition this year, students from 17 area school districts sent in their drawings of the family dog. There's a winner in each grade as well as an overall Best in Show winner.
As evidenced by just this sampling, the dogs' personalities can be anywhere from effervescent to contemplative to quizzical. The artists seem to be well on their way to impressive careers.
So, in addition to checking out all those great canines in person, spend some time with the effort and study involved in these young artists' works -- capturing the essence of the family dog.
School districts participating included: Aldine, Alief, Clear Creek, CyFair, Deer Park, Fort Bend, Galena Park, Galveston, Goose Creek, Houston, Humble, Katy, Klein, La Porte, Pearland, Spring and Spring Branch.
The Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows runs today through Sunday at Reliant Park. Adult admission is $10 per day, seniors $5, and children 12 and younger are $1 with adult. For the latest information, visit the show's website.