Calgary Stampede pays homage to Elbow River with new public art

Calgary Foundation Crossing home to Rainbow Trout

June 01, 2016

Calgary – The Calgary Stampede is pleased to share our newest public art installation with the community. “Rainbow Trout,” created by Jeff de Boer, is the first of four art installations planned in ENMAX Park.

As the largest private landowner along the Elbow River in the city, the Calgary Stampede is the proud custodian of urban spaces and natural areas along the Elbow. The Rainbow Trout is one of the most sought after fish in the Elbow and spurred the design concept for de Boer.

“My inspiration comes from nature and architecture,” says artist Jeff de Boer. “As a native Calgarian and Ramsay business-owner, I was thrilled to be selected by the Stampede to create the first piece of art for ENMAX Park. I want this colourful piece of public art to entertain, spark conversation and be a gateway icon for both communities of the Calgary Stampede and Ramsay.”

Rainbow Trout and the entry to ENMAX Park form a new space known as Calgary Foundation Crossing that welcomes visitors to the Park. The Calgary Foundation is a shareholder in the Calgary Stampede Foundation and in 2014 they came forward with a generous donation of $1 million in support of ENMAX Park. The alignment of the Calgary Foundation, the Calgary Stampede Foundation and the Calgary Stampede is aimed to create a meaningful partnership that enhances gathering spaces for our community.

“The Calgary Foundation is proud to be a part of such a beautiful gathering place on Stampede Park,” says Eva Friesen, Calgary Foundation, president and CEO. “The desire for Calgary Foundation Crossing is to create a crossroads where people will come together and share experiences in culture, art and nature.”

Since the installation of the sculpture a couple of weeks ago, Rainbow Trout has already been generating interest among Calgarians and visitors alike, which exactly what the Stampede’s volunteer Public Art committee aims to do.

In November 2014, the Stampede’s Public Art committee posted a Request for Proposal (RFP), juried the submissions in January/February 2015 and selected De Boer to create the piece. Jeff de Boer, a native Calgarian, avid fly fisher and internationally acclaimed multimedia artist, was selected by the jury. The jury was comprised of Stampede representatives and community members.

Since 2008, the Stampede Public Art committee has assisted with a number of pieces of public art, including: By the Banks of the Bow, the iconic sculpture in front of the Agriculture building, completed in 2012; 100 Years of Champions, installed in 2014 located in the Grandstand Courtyard; and Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Si Do, located at the Calgary Court Centre with an identical sculpture on Boulevard Champlain along the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec City.

About the Calgary Foundation

The Calgary Foundation has been nurturing a healthy, vibrant, giving and caring community since 1955. It facilitates collaborative philanthropy by making powerful connections between donors and community organizations. The Foundation works to build a strong and sustainable charitable sector that serves the current and emerging needs of the community for the long-term benefit of Calgary and area. In 2014-15, the Calgary Foundation saw $59.9 million in new contributions, had an asset base of $834.4 million and granted $47.3 million to over 900 charitable organizations.

About the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

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