Joe Fafard Sculpture

Calgary - The Calgary Stampede Public Art committee, together with city officials, welcomed eight new horses to Calgary today. The Joe Fafard sculpture named "Do Re Me Fa Sol La Si Do," the second in a series of two, commemorates Québec City's 400th anniversary and the Calgary - Québec City sister-city relationship.

"Calgary and Québec City represent two distinct cultures together in one great country," said Dr. David Chalack, president and chairman of the board of the Calgary Stampede. "This gift of art celebrates the horse, the role it played in the history of Canada and how it ties all Canadians together."

The powder-coated 5/8-inch cut-steel plate horses are in different poses representing movement: past, present, future.

"When I was asked to create a sculpture that would reside in both Québec City and Calgary I immediately knew the story I wanted to tell; the story of commonality across this great country," said Fafard, internationally acclaimed Canadian artist. "I have used the Canadian horse as a metaphor to represent sound - a song - a sense of harmony. I added a symphony of colours and then knew it was done."

Great cities have always enjoyed great art; the first in the series of two was presented in Québec City on Thursday, September 30 and can now be found on Boulevard Champlain along the banks of the St. Lawrence River.

"We are honoured to receive such an amazing gift from our friends in Calgary," said Québec City Mayor Régis Labeaume. "When East meets West wonderful things happen for all to enjoy."

The Calgary Stampede Public Art committee was established in 2007 as part of the Stampede's community engagement mandate. This project was funded by PennWest Energy, the Sieben family of Calgary, the City of Calgary and the Calgary Stampede.