A Letter from the 2027 Calgary Stampede Poster Artist, Keagan George

My name is Keagan George, and I'm so excited — and still a little shocked — to be your 2027 Calgary Stampede Poster Artist!
 
I grew up on a homestead just outside Barrhead, Alberta, where there was always a chore to do and an animal to look after. We raised a bit of everything: calves, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. I started out drawing pictures from the calendars at the local feed store. When I wanted better reference photos, I started photographing the calves on our homestead. I've painted animals ever since, and cattle are still my favourite. I've enjoyed going to a lot of rodeos over the years, starting with the local ones back home, and that energy has always stayed with me.
 
I first heard about the Youth Poster Competition when a friend who thought I might be interested sent it to me on Facebook. It was during COVID, and my university classes had all moved online. When I learned I could take part in much of the program online too, I figured, why not? Living so far from Calgary, that made it possible for me to join. Back then I only drew in black and white with ink pens. I had never picked up a paintbrush, and I'd never had any formal art training. I quickly realized the program was much bigger than I'd imagined, and the quality of the other artists' work inspired me to push myself.
 
The 2027 competition marked my fifth year in the program, and every year taught me something new. I learned to paint through trial and error. The program's workshops and online presentations filled in what I couldn't figure out on my own. The biggest lesson was that a great Stampede Poster is more than a great painting — it has to tell the Stampede's story.
 
Three years ago, I placed third with a portrait of a bull. I was proud of it, but the feedback I got from the evaluation panel helped me understand I needed to strengthen how it tied to the Calgary Stampede, so the next year I added a background. The year after that I made the background more colourful. This year I added the rider to bring in more movement. Building on each year’s feedback, I learned what makes a great poster.
 
With this painting, I wanted to capture drama. I chose a low angle and a close crop, so the bull's head fills much of the frame, to highlight the power and athleticism of the bull in motion. I painted the rider's chaps red to reflect the Stampede's colours, and because red grabs your eye. I also painted the GMC Stadium grandstand in more detail, then faded it back behind a purple wash. It's a quiet nod to the cheering crowd who makes every ride feel bigger than life.
 
My dad suggested the title Best Seat in the House, and I love that it works two ways. It's the seat in the grandstand, where thousands of fans lean forward to watch the ride. It's also the seat on the bull's back, where the rider feels every thrilling second up close. Wherever you happen to be sitting, I hope this poster makes you feel the thrill and anticipation of the Stampede Rodeo.
 
I've always loved learning. Art will always be part of my life, but I'm also excited to go back to school and keep growing in a new direction, whether that's osteopathy or herbalism. Knowing I'll have support along the way means more than I can say.
 
I'm deeply grateful to everyone who makes the Youth Poster Competition possible. That includes the mentors and panellists whose feedback shaped my work, and the Dustin Peers Memorial Scholarship, generously funded by the Brandon Flock Foundation. To every volunteer and employee of the Calgary Stampede: thank you. Five years ago I had never painted, and now my work will help kick off Stampede 2027.
 
With heartfelt thanks,
Keagan George