Envisioned as a celebration of the West that was fast disappearing, the first Calgary Stampede included a daily parade, rodeo events and a special exhibition of 20 paintings by Charles M. Russell, the “Famous Cowboy Artist.”

Eminent Russell scholar Brian W. Dippie examines the impact of this exhibition on Russell’s career and describes why this single exhibition was an epochal moment in the history of Western American art. In addition, Glenbow Museum curator Lorain Lounsberry illustrates the importance of fellow cowboy artist’s Edward Borein’s work in shaping people’s perception of the Calgary Stampede and offers readers a glimpse of Calgary back in 1912.

Filled with historical detail, iconic imagery and some of Russell’s most beloved masterpieces, Charlie Russell and the First Calgary Stampede is a unique look at an exhibition that influenced two artists’ careers and an event that shaped the identity of a city.

Brian W. Dippie, a native of Edmonton, Alberta, retired in 2009 after 39 years’ teaching history at the University of Victoria, BC. Dippie also served as president of the Western History Association in 2002–03. A specialist in the history of Western American art, Dippie has published extensively on George Catlin, Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.

Brian W. Dippie's profile page

Lorain Lounsberry is Senior Curator of Cultural History and Acting Curator of Military History at Glenbow Museum. She holds a master’s degree in Art History and during her curatorial career has contributed articles on history, art and museology to a variety of publications.

Lorain Lounsberry's profile page