1977 was the first taste of Art at the Calgary Stampede – it’s been over 30 years and we are proud to be one of the strongest western Art Shows in North America. The Western Art Show presents well known western artists whose work is indicative of the heritage and grandeur of the west.

Western Art is defined as art that is visually identifiable depicting themes of western prairie/mountain culture, lifestyle, heritage, and characters as defined as art that is diverse in medium and subject including, but not limited to the following:  Ranching; Landscapes; Rodeo; Agriculture; First Nations; Florals; Portraits; Architecture and Wildlife.

The Calgary Stampede Western Art Show is comprised of 5 areas:

  1.  Artists’ Studios – (Formally Sales Salon and Artisans). These 2 groups have amalgamated into one group. The focus of this area is the same as in previous years  - original art is displayed and sold by artists in either individual or shared booths.  Artists must be present during Stampede to sell their work. Mediums include flat painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil), bronze, stone, wood, clay, leather, silver, gems, metal, etc.

2. Western Art Auction – The original juried art is displayed from the opening day of Stampede until the Wednesday before the Auction which takes place on the final Thursday. This auction is one of the most renowned auctions for Western Art in Canada, attracting collectors from Canada and abroad.

3. Western Art Gallery – The Gallery Art is displayed in a cluster of an individual artist's work and sold through the Western Art Show Sales desk, Artists are not present to sell their work.

4. Western Photo Gallery  – Submitted photos are juried into the Gallery area where they will be displayed and sold as framed or matted prints. The Western Photo Competiton will show all entries in a continuous video loop throughout the day.

5. Artist Ranch Project  - A contemporary artist-in-residence program that visits a different Alberta ranch each year. The final works of the artists are showcased in the Artist Ranch Area in the Western Art Show. This is an opportunity to buy "unique" one-of-a-kind pieces.