SALINAS, CA December 9, 2011 – The California Rodeo’s new President, Benny Jefferson, has been involved with the Freestyle Bullfights that are the finale to the Rodeo’s daily shows for over 20 years. It is the privilege of the President to choose a theme for each year’s commemorative poster and long before his first year of service started, Benny knew the event he wanted to feature. The poster features legendary bullfighter Rob Smets in one image and a snapshot of the arena with bullfighter Andy Burelle in another image. The poster has vivid colors and captures the action of the exciting event that fans love. In the Freestyle Bullfight event, bullfighters risk their body to make moves on the keen bulls, displaying their speed and agility as they dodge the feisty animal and keep the crowd on the edge of their seats. The poster was painted by artist and rodeo clown, Ash, aka CrAsh, Cooper of Canada. CrAsh performed at the 2009 California Rodeo Salinas and when he isn’t working rodeos, or in between doing so, he is an artist known best for his work with Leanin’ Tree greeting cards. An award-winning western artist, rodeo clown and television host, Ash Cooper’s art includes limited edition graphite drawings and watercolor paints with an emphasis on western cartoons. One of Leanin’ Tree’s top artists, Ash’s life as a rancher and rodeo entertainer provides constant inspiration for his art. Ash took interest in the bullfight poster concept and viewed some Spanish bullfighting posters to apply some of those elements to this poster. Learn more about Ash and his artwork or rodeo entertainment at www.crashcooper.com.
Posters are available in the Rodeo Office for $15 each, or $30 for posters signed by Ash Cooper, and online at www.carodeo.com in the store portion of our website. The website store page link is http://www.carodeo.com/store/. Please note we will not be able to ship these to you until after December 20th. The Rodeo Office is open Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm and closed for lunch on Fridays from 11:45amto 1:15pm.
About California Rodeo Salinas
The California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 19-22, 2012. The California Rodeo Association is a non-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinasand the West. We support the community and other non-profit organizations through the staging of the annual California Rodeo Salinas and other year round operations of the Salinas Sports Complex. Through donation of our facility, vending and fundraising opportunities during Rodeo and other events, theCalifornia Rodeo Association returns over $250,000 annually to local non-profits. For more information about the California Rodeo Salinas, log on to www.CARodeo.com or call the California Rodeo Office at 831-775.3100. ‘Like’ the California Rodeo on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CARodeoSalinas or follow us on twitter @CaliforniaRodeo for updates, photos and more.
