Each year, in association with the Baker City Bronc & Bull Riding, artist Ken Helgerson creates an art piece depicting a segment of our Americana—Rodeo. Helgerson’s 2010 representation is now on display at J. Tabor Jewelers in downtown Baker City where it is available for the public’s viewing pleasure, and for bid in this year’s silent auction.

Helgerson, personally a horseman, sought out his inspiration from various sources before choosing to create an image inspired by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association 2009 Saddle Bronc of the Year—#788 Spring Planting of the Flying Five Rodeo Company. The artist has an uncommon ability to show the texture and muscularity of his subjects with the finest of detail. This pastel and colored pencil image of the outstanding blue roan mare is one that shows the athleticism of this born-to-buck bronc in the accuracy that has come to be expected from the artist. It goes beyond being “just an example of rodeo”—it is truly outstanding art.

Flying Five and Big Bend Rodeo Companies provide the animal athletes that perform for the Baker City Bronc & Bull Riding events each year. The 2010 events begin with Bronc Riding on Friday, July 16, 2010 at 7:00 pm, followed by Bull Riding on Saturday, July 17 at 6:00 pm, both at the Baker County Fairgrounds.

BIDS FOR THE ORIGINAL ARTWORK CAN BE MADE AT J. TABOR JEWELERS: 1913 MAIN STREET, BAKER CITY, OREGON, BY PHONE CALL TO 541-524-1999, OR BY EMAIL TO marv@bakerbroncsandbulls.com. Bidding is now open and bids will be accepted until the end of the bull riding event Saturday, July 17.