The Calgary Stampede revealed its 2027 poster , spotlighting artwork by Barrhead creator Keagan George titled “Best Seat in the House.”
George’s piece was selected from a field of eight finalists in the yearly contest, marking her as the ninth young artist whose design has appeared on the Stampede’s official poster.
“Keagan George’s artwork captures the energy, courage and extraordinary athleticism that make the Calgary Stampede Rodeo unlike anything else,” said Cherie Copithorne-Barnes, first-vice chair of the board at the Calgary Stampede. “It also showcases the remarkable talent of Alberta youth and the value of creating opportunities for young people to develop, grow and succeed.”
The winning image shows bull rider Hayes Weight, of Goshen, Utah, riding Judge and Jury during the 2025 Calgary Stampede.
George deliberately made the bull’s head dominate much of the composition to give viewers a sense of being right in the middle of the action. She added red fringe to Weight’s chaps both to draw the eye and to echo the Stampede’s trademark colour.
“I was shocked — I truly wasn’t expecting it,” George said. “This was my favourite piece so far and the one I felt was most like a Stampede poster.”
Keagan will receive a $10,000 share of the Dustin Peers Memorial Scholarship, supported by the Brandon Flock Foundation.
The 2027 Calgary Stampede is scheduled for July 9 to 18.
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