Aldine High School Student Diana Puente Accepted Into Prestigious Western Art Academy

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Diana Puentes (far left) poses with teacher Birgit Langhammer (center) and Kaileigh Newman, AISD director of visual arts, at the 2025 RodeoHouston School Art Exhibition. Diana’s artwork received a Special Merit this year.

Diana Puente, a student at Aldine High School, has been accepted into the Western Art Academy (WAA) Class of 2025 at Schreiner University. WAA is a competitive and prestigious summer program that brings together some of Texas’ most talented high school artists.

Diana was chosen from a pool of more than 250 applicants to join just 48 students who will attend the four-week program in Kerrville, Texas. The Western Art Academy, a partnership between Schreiner University and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s School Art Program, will run June 15 through July 12 and includes intensive sculpture and oil painting training.

Upon learning about her acceptance, Diana shared her mix of emotions. “I was so excited and surprised but also a little bit scared,” said Diana. “It will be the first time I will be away from home. Since I am an introvert, I am unsure if I will make friends there. But I am excited about the opportunity to create art for four weeks and learn a lot about artmaking.”

Diana’s journey in art began at the tender age of 3, and she has been passionately expressing her emotions through her work ever since. Her love for portraiture and sculpture is evident in her creations, and Diana is eager to expand her skills in new mediums during her time at the academy.

“I hope to learn how to create oil paintings and sculptures because I haven’t had many opportunities to work in oil and 3-D yet,” Diana said. “I know I want to pursue art in college, but I haven’t decided yet what I will study.”

Kaileigh Newman, Aldine ISD’s visual arts director, said Diana’s selection reflects her talent, dedication, and strong artistic voice.

“Diana’s acceptance into the Western Art Academy is a strong testament to the breadth of her artistic voice and technical skill,” Newman said. “Her portfolio showcases a wide range — from portraiture and still life to demonstration pieces — highlighting her mastery in various media, including paint, graphite, and other two-dimensional materials.”

Newman added that Diana stood out not only for her portfolio but also for how well she articulated her creative process in the interview portion of the application.

“This is a prestigious college-level art program, and Diana is one of only 48 students selected to participate,” Newman said. “She will demonstrate independence, live away from home, and collaborate with fellow young artists. Over the month, Diana will explore collegiate-level techniques and materials, focusing on sculpture and oil painting.”

To be eligible for WAA, students must first earn top recognition — such as Best of Show, Gold Medal, or Special Merit — in Aldine ISD’s juried Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) art competition. Diana’s achievement builds on that foundation, and Diana follows in the footsteps of other standout Aldine artists, including Jade Jiménez of Carver High School, who was selected in 2023. Diana’s art teacher is Birgit Langhammer.

Newman said programs like WAA help students envision future careers in the arts.

“It offers our students a powerful perspective, showing them that the arts represent a vibrant, thriving community and a viable career pathway,” Newman said. “The outdated notion of the ‘starving artist’ is long gone.”

The WAA program includes college credit, classes, research events held six days a week, and planned Sunday activities. It will conclude with a graduation ceremony and art exhibition on July 12.

Diana acknowledges her family members as her biggest supporters. “I was lucky that my parents always supported and encouraged me to create art,” Diana said. “I was lucky that my parents always supported and encouraged me to create art.”

For more information about the Western Art Academy, contact [email protected].