$2 million sculpture commissioned for the Calgary Stampede. Completion by 2010.

"By The Banks Of The Bow" is a major sculpture presently in progress for Calgary's Stampede Park.

It's the first of three sculptures planned for the city in a program guided by the Calgary Stampede Public Art committee. Composed of a local artists, architects, historians and community leaders, the committee is facilitating the creation of significant artwork to be be located across the city.

A NEW CALGARY LANDMARK.

This initial piece is expected to become a Calgary landmark, destined to become one of the largest bronze sculptural groupings in North America.

Two prominent Alberta sculptors are collaborating on the project.

Robert Spaith and Richard Roenisch are well-known for their past achievements in portraying the Canadian west; a major Spaith sculpture already demands public attention at the Calgary Airport and Roenisch is known for his life-sized image of a bronc rider at the west entrance of Stampede Park.

"Breakaway" - the Robert Spaith sculpture at the Calgary International Airport.

ANONYMOUSLY FUNDED.

"By The Banks Of The Bow", which is expected to be finished by 2010, depicts two cowboys driving a herd of fifteen horses across the Bow River. The works covers an area of 1,250 square feet - comparable to the size of an average family home - and the figures (expected to be twenty-five per cent larger than life) are intended to be accessible by the public. The entire $2 million cost is being funded by an anonymous donor.

TWO OTHER BRONZES UNDER WAY.

The second of Calgary's three planned sculptures will serve as a historical record. It is intended to memorialize the 1957 historical meeting between then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and James B. Gladstone from the Kainai First Nation (also known as the Blood Tribe), who became Canada’s first native Senator.

This bronze will be ready for placement at the Stampede’s riverfront park in late 2009, recognizing the federal government’s support of the park.

A SALUTE TO QUEBEC CITY.

The third piece will commemorate the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, Calgary’s sister city. Two identical sculptures will be created, one for each city, with the Quebec City sculpture ready for placement in February 2009.

This bronze will serve as a unifying symbol for the people of both cities, celebrating the shared values of two of Canada's friendliest communities.