Foster in the News

Lamar CISD artists rope in high bids

Mar 20, 2018 | Community Relations

Highschoolart2018
Xienna Khim, Sonali Puri, Roman Orellana, Semaj Brown and Michael David Archibong

Lamar CISD artists garnered the big bucks at the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Show, with their artwork earning a total of $192,500.

Terry High School artist Roman Orellana was Class Champion for Monochromatic Drawing, finishing fourth among all artists at Art Show. His work brought $55,000 at the Show's auction.

Joan Batts is Roman’s art teacher at Terry.

Foster High’s Michael David Archibong was also Class Champion, in the Oil Painting category. His work brought $50,000 at auction.

Three other Foster High artists had works sold at auction:

  • Xienna Khim made the auction, with her painting topping out with a $23,000 bid;
  • Sonoli Purri’s work sold for $20,000; and
  • Semaj Brown’s drawing earned $13,500.

Melanie Coffee is the instructor for the Foster High students.

Reading Junior High artist Katherine Le earned the Junior High Class Reserve Champion ribbon, essentially finishing second among the area’s junior high artists. For the first time, junior high art was offered in the auction and her work brought $25,000.

Monica Arratia is the art teacher at Reading Junior High.