Sep 15 2009
25th anniversary of Children’s Rodeo is artwork centerpiece
PENDLETON – Round-Up has once again commissioned Western artist Buck Taylor to create a poster for the 99th rodeo. Taylor, who is also an actor, has created a work of art that incorporates scenes from his nine previous posters. At the center of the work of art is a child, commemorating yet another anniversary, the Children’s Rodeo’s 25th.
The Children’s Rodeo is co-sponsored by the Umatilla-Morrow Education Service District and the Round-Up Association. Held before the rodeo begins on Wednesday; it allows special needs children a chance to test their own rodeo skills. Members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and volunteers assist the young people in riding a horse, riding a hand-rocked bull, roping a pretend steer and other activities. The Children’s Rodeo is happy to be front and center in Taylor’s poster.
“We are thrilled that Buck Taylor included the Children’s Rodeo and our 25th anniversary in the Round-Up poster this year,” Children’s Rodeo Director Karen Parker said. “His talent and his posters are so well known that to include Children’s rodeo is really an honor. We’re very appreciative of the gesture.”
Taylor has a booth under the South Grandstands where he sells his posters and other artwork. His wife, Goldie Taylor, said creating the Round-Up poster is a labor of love.
“We just pinch ourselves every year when Round-Up lets us know we can do another one,” she said. “We’ll be back again next year and we’re honored to do the poster for Round-Up’s 100th anniversary. Pendleton is just so good to us.”
Best known for his long-running role of Newly in the television series “Gunsmoke,” Taylor has performed in numerous movies and television series. However, the son of the actor Dub Taylor maintained his love for art throughout his stints in front of the cameras.
He’s the official artist for numerous rodeos and state fairs. In addition his creations can be found in the art collections of the American Quarter Horse Museum, the National Ranching Heritage Museum, the Franklin Mint and John Wayne Enterprises. Private collectors who own Buck Taylor watercolors include Sam Elliott, James Arness, Roy Clark, Val Kilmer, Roger Staubach and Powers Boothe.
The Round-Up poster will be for sale at his booth, which will be open throughout Round-Up week, for $30 or two for $50. A limited number of framed posters at a higher price are also available as are other works by the artist.
