RENO, Nev. (May 27, 2015) – The “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West” selected Ash “Crash” Cooper to design this year’s official Reno Rodeo limited edition poster. Cooper, in collaboration with Rodeo President Larry Stacey, created a piece that captures the rodeo spirit and depicts pick up men as they work to corral a wild bronco.
“Larry and I both believe the pick up men are an integral part of the rodeo that often aren’t featured when referring to the event,” Cooper said. “They have one of the most demanding skill sets, in my opinion, and deserve recognition for that.”
Cooper draws inspiration for his Western artwork from his upbringing, ranching lifestyle and career as a rodeo clown. A self-taught artist, Cooper specializes in graphite and watercolor pieces and can create anything from moving realistic works to hilarious and playful cartoons.
From a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada, Cooper spends 200 days of the year working rodeos all over the U.S. and Canada. He spends the remaining 165 days of the year on his own ranch rearing cattle and young bulls.
“We chose Crash Cooper because he is not only a gifted artist but lives and breathes the rodeo lifestyle as a clown and rancher,” said Stacey. “Plus, he has been a clown for the Reno Rodeo on three different occasions, making him personally familiar with the Reno Rodeo way.”
Every year since 1981 the Reno Rodeo president has selected an artist to collaborate with and create a limited edition print. The design of the print was unveiled Thursday, May 21, at the Eldorado Resort Casino. The 250 signed and numbered prints are on sale now through the Reno Rodeo office.
For more information about the artist Crash Cooper visit www.CrashCooper.com and for information about the 96th Annual Reno Rodeo visit www.renorodeo.com. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Lawlor Events Center box office. For ticket information only, call 775-784-4444. To order tickets by phone, call 800-325-7328.
