The Calgary Stampede’s 2016 poster is priceless — literally. Painted by multi-award-winning artist Michelle Grant of Calgary, Alta., the artwork features the horses from the Calgary Stampede’s Born to Buck breeding program.
“When you visit the Stampede Ranch in Hanna [Alta.], you witness many scenes of horses running freely in the fields together,” said Bill Gray, president and chairman of the Calgary Stampede board of directors, “and that was the inspiration for the poster.”
In 2007 the Stampede began to commission art specifically for the poster and the original piece was auctioned off. This was an ideal opportunity to support western artists while highlighting the quality of art showcased annually at the Stampede. Unlike previous original artwork that was auctioned off, Grant’s original painting will remain part of the Calgary Stampede’s permanent collection making it literally priceless.