Introducing the 2021 Calgary Stampede Poster – Recognizing Resiliency and Optimism
Calgary – Symbolizing the passing of the storm and recognizing resiliency and optimism, the 2021 Calgary Stampede poster was created by 22-year-old Calgarian Lexi Hilderman, winner of the Calgary Stampede Youth Poster Competition. Hilderman’s artwork features a young Fancy Dancer with rainbow ribbons flowing from her regalia, inspired by the image of a young woman named Katari Righthand from the Siksika First Nation.
“I was drawn to her story and it became important for me to learn about her culture and to understand how she feels when she’s dancing,” says Hilderman. In developing a relationship with Righthand and her family, Hilderman learned that she was given the name Nààpiwa otó piim Akikowan (Rainbow Girl) in 2013 following the southern Alberta floods, representing the hope that comes after a storm. Hilderman incorporated this into her design. “I wanted to show her standing strong, looking forward with determination. To me this image is about optimism, and also a representation of youth carrying on their legacy and the legacy of the Calgary Stampede’s celebration of the arts, culture and community.”
The Calgary Stampede Youth Poster Competition is a unique youth achievement program that provides talented young Albertans with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a world stage. Generously funded by the Brandon Flock Foundation, this program provides one of Canada’s largest art scholarships. As the winning artist for 2021, Lexi Hilderman has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship and her artwork will now become part of Calgary Stampede history and distributed around the world.
“Not only is this a striking image, it tells an extremely important story about the Stampede and our community at this time,” says Steve McDonough, First Vice-Chairman of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors. “Youth poster artists were asked to communicate, through their artwork, their impressions on what the Calgary Stampede means to them personally and to our community. Together we are weathering a significant storm, and it’s important to find the silver linings and optimism in what we are experiencing and I believe Lexi has captured that in her painting.”
With the health and safety of our community a top priority, the Stampede is planning and preparing to adapt to all public health orders to safely welcome our community back to our annual celebration.
“We’re very excited to take this first step in sharing the poster. While we don’t have all the details about Stampede 2021 at this time, what we can tell you is that we are here for our community when they are ready to ride again. And when we can once again gather together to celebrate, it will be that much more meaningful,” says McDonough.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2021 Calgary Stampede at calgarystampede.com, with flexible and fully refundable options. Stay up to date with all Calgary Stampede news and be in the know about 2021 details by signing up for the Stampede Insider.
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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