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The Calgary Stampede unveiled its official 2027 poster at the Nutrien Western Event Centre on Monday, featuring Barrhead, Alta., artist Keagan George’s work entitled “Best Seat in the House.”
The artwork was one of eight finalists in the annual competition, and makes 23-year-old George the ninth youth to have their work featured on the official Stampede poster.
“You know, it was a really tough competition. There are some incredible artists out there, but I gotta tell ya, as a rancher, I’ve been this close to a bull before and for someone who’s only been painting for five years or less, she’s captured this perfectly,” said Cherie Copithorne-Barnes, first vice-chair of the board at the Calgary Stampede.
“Keagan George’s artwork captures the energy, courage and extraordinary athleticism that make the Calgary Stampede Rodeo unlike anything else,” added Copithorne-Barnes.
“It also showcases the remarkable talent of Alberta youth and the value of creating opportunities for young people to develop, grow and succeed.”
‘Best Seat in the House’ by artist Keagan George from Barrhead, Alta., was selected as the 2027 Calgary Stampede poster. (Calgary Stampede)
George’s winning artwork depicts bull rider Hayes Weight of Goshen, Utah, aboard Judge and Jury at the 2025 Calgary Stampede. The bull’s head commands a large portion of the work, which George said was done to intentionally create a feeling of being close to the thrill of the rodeo.
“What drew me to this image was the action,” said George. “I tried to capture some of that excitement and movement … in my own style.”
The fringe of Weight’s chaps are painted red, George said, to catch the viewer’s eye and connect the piece to the Calgary Stampede’s signature colour.
George, a self-taught artist who honed her craft from painting off photographs of animals around her family’s homestead, has participated in the Calgary Stampede’s poster competition four times previously.
Two of those instances saw her advance to the top 30 and two others placed her in the top eight, before securing the win this year.
“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.”
George will receive a $10,000 portion of the Dustin Peers Memorial Scholarship as part of her win, funded by the Brandon Flock Foundation.
The 2027 Calgary Stampede will take place July 9-18.