Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 91 tisans available at the Bucking Horse Sale is quite a treat in this age of internet shopping, but it was the internet that showed this hum- ble writer the most exquisite homage to the Bucking Horse Sale. Wyoming artist Bob Coronato attended the sale in the early 2010s and was enthralled with what he experienced. Wandering the fes- tivities, he ran into a high-ranking chamber and BHS board member and pitched his idea: a commemorative poster done in Mr. Coronato's unique Western style and mixed media. After a quick Google search of Bob's work, including but not limited to paintings of immense detail reminiscent of Char- lie Russell, they agreed to the piece and the year-long pro- cess of creating the poster began. Everything you need to know about the Bucking Horse Sale can be seen on the post- er: the spirit of the event is captured perfectly. Bob Coronato immersed himself into the ranching way of life that was his muse, and such expe- rience paid off when he began creating ro- deo posters. He told the Miles City Star that he wanted to have "lived long enough to get it right." From the words at the very top that captured this writ- er's attention, the image of a bucking horse dead center, to a scene near the bottom of the iconic street dances, this beloved addition to the Bucking Horse Sale imagery would make a fine addition to any Western art afficionado's collection. People are drawn to the Bucking Horse Sale from nearby communities, across the state and overseas. Such an event is vital to Miles City and the surrounding area, as the eco- nomic impact can sustain the community for the next year. The population of the town can double during the affair, and the local non-profits throw their largest fundraisers at this time. For over 70 years this event has inspired visual artists, authors, ranchers, and aspiring rodeo queens and kings. The TRAVEL MONTANA

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