The 2008 Stampede poster was created by Doug Levitt, a Canadian artist whose work is gaining world wide attention. The Stampede commissioned Levitt to reflect the pride, history and vibrancy of today’s Stampede, while reinforcing the organization’s western heritage and values.
In designing the concept of the painting A Man of His People, Levitt and the Stampede decided to pursue a historically based image, a painting that would honour the culture of the First Nations people and offer a sense of nostalgia and respect for the Stampede’s long history with the Plains people. “The Calgary Stampede is extremely proud of the long history we’ve shared with peoples of the First Nations,” said George Brookman, president and chairman of the board for the Calgary Stampede. “Since 1912, we’ve joined with the bands of the Treaty Seven Nations to explore their culture and to learn and share traditions.”
Since 2001 Levitt, a born and raised Calgarian, has devoted himself full-time to fine art, oil paintings and graphite/charcoal drawings as his preferred mediums. “I began painting Native themes in 2001,” said Levitt. “My passion is in creating fine art that explores the authentic detail, drama and texture of the western heritage and culture.” Levitt and the Stampede consulted extensively with Native Elders to ensure historical accuracy and worked to create an image that was representative of as many Plains tribes as possible.
The 2008 Stampede poster can be purchased for $6.00 at the year-round Stampede Store on Stampede Park, or $10.00 with mailing tube through our Stampede e-store.
HISTORIC PARADE OF POSTERS
WANTED: Original 1922, 1926 & 1930 Calgary Stampede Poster
REWARD: $1000
Email the Calgary Stampede Foundation for details.
The Calgary Stampede Historic Parade of Posters
"Nothing illustrates the history and growth of the Calgary Stampede with more accuracy and clarity than the annual posters..."
- Lorne Stoute, The Canadian Cattleman, June 1946
Each year the Calgary Stampede creates a new poster to promote its celebration of western culture and tradition. Collectively, these posters portray 10 decades of vibrant and colourful history of both the Calgary Stampede and of life in southern Alberta.
The Calgary Stampede Historical Committee in association with the Calgary Stampede Foundation is creating a permanent home for a public exhibition of these posters. The "Historic Parade of Posters" will open in June 2003 at Stampede Park.
In a unique fund-raising event, the Calgary Stampede Foundation is selling exclusive sponsorships for each of these posters.
You can be part of this Historic Parade of Posters!
Individuals and companies who wish to be exclusively identified with any one of these historic Calgary Stampede posters can submit a written bid. In the case of duplicate bids, the highest bidder for a particular year will become the sponsor of that year's poster.
Each poster in the Historic Parade of Posters will identify its sponsor by name with a custom-made plaque displayed above the framed poster and also in the signage that will introduce the exhibit.
As a "Historic Poster Sponsor," you can celebrate the name of your family, company or someone who touched your life in a special way.
In addition to ongoing recognition and celebration of your name in the exhibit, you will receive a "Limited Collector's Edition" original-size, full colour canvas reproduction of your poster, accompanied with a signed certificate of authenticity.
The proceeds of this unique fund-raiser event will go to the Calgary Stampede Foundation. The Calgary Stampede Foundation funds educational programs and projects for the youth of Calgary and Southern Alberta, to encourage and promote pride of our western heritage and the spirit of volunteerism.
A special thanks goes to the Stampede Historical Committee for their role in creating this project. If you'd like to learn more about the Stampede's history, please email Ron Getty, the Calgary Stampede's historical archivist.
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