Calgary 
The Calgary Stampede has unveiled its 2025 poster, a vibrant depiction of determination and perseverance crafted by 22-year-old local artist Elora Kiddle.
Credit: Calgary Stampede
Titled “Grit to Greatness,” the 24-by-36-inch acrylic painting captures barrel racer Kellie Jorgensen (née Collier) and her horse, Salty, during a high-intensity moment at the 2021 Calgary Stampede Rodeo.
For Kiddle, this achievement marks a significant milestone after three attempts at the Stampede’s Youth Poster Competition. “Creating this piece meant pushing through challenges,” she said. “With every splatter and brushstroke, I felt like I was finding my own voice as an artist.”
Born and raised in Calgary, Kiddle’s connection to the Stampede runs deep. Her first job was at the Grandstand in GMC Stadium, where she witnessed the energy of the daily rodeo events—experiences that fueled her artistic inspiration. Her twin sister, Emily, is a trombonist with the Calgary Stampede Showband, further entwining the family with the annual celebration.
Stuart O’Connor, First Vice-Chair of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors and incoming President for 2025, praised the artwork. “Elora’s portrayal of barrel racing speaks to the heart of our events, making this poster a powerful emblem for the 2025 Calgary Stampede,” he said.
Kiddle’s accomplishment comes with the $10,000 Dustin Peers Memorial Scholarship, funded by the Brandon Flock Foundation. The foundation awards an additional $10,000 across the competition, making it one of Canada’s largest art scholarships with a total of $20,000 distributed annually among the top eight finalists.
The Youth Poster Competition, initiated in 2018, aims to foster creativity and provide mentorship to young Alberta artists aged 15 to 24. Applications for the 2026 competition are open until December 6, 2024.
From November 6 to 10, the Sam Centre will host a special exhibit featuring Kiddle’s poster alongside previous competition artworks. She will be available for poster signings from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on November 7, 8, and 9.
