109th Clovis Rodeo Commemorative Clovis Rodeo Poster now available

Contributed

March 20, 2023: Some of the best moments in rodeo are depicted annually by artist Claudia Fletcher for the event's commemorative poster.

This year the scene is of longtime bullfighters Eric Layton (Red Bluff) and Tim O'Conner (Springville) doing one of the toughest jobs in the sport of rodeo.

These friends to the Clovis Rodeo, both inside and outside the arena have retired, and the poster is an opportunity to honor them for their friendship, and a job well done.

As bullfighters Eric and Tim are responsible for protecting the bull rider, and making sure he gets safely out of the arena after his ride. These California cowboys retired last year after working with the Clovis Rodeo for more than 15 years.

Considered a couple of the best bullfighters in the business, Eric and Tim could be found working at most rodeos throughout the California Circuit.

The posters are available at the Clovis Rodeo ticket office, now open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 26x32 inch posters are $15 each, or $25 for prints signed by the artist.

Artist and muralist Claudia Fletcher designed the commemorative Clovis Rodeo

Poster.

Fletcher has been the official artist for the poster since 1992. Raised on a farm in Madera with a love of horses, she is happiest when painting the western way of life.

Fletcher's career began as an artist for a local advertising agency. In 1972 she went out on her own and began doing custom artwork on motorcycle tanks, boats, and cars.

Now an award-winning artist who specializes in western themes, her work can be found on public murals and in galleries of private homes not only in the Central Valley but throughout the United States.

The original poster art by Fletcher will be on display at the Clovis Art Guilds Old West and Rodeo Art Show held at the

Center.

Clovis Veteran's Memorial Building April 22-30.

The show is free of charge. The Clovis Rodeo also adapts the poster art for the Clovis Unified Schools Rodeo Coloring qualities that Dr. Bennett herself showed during her time at Clovis Community. In a list of accolades, it was mentioned that Dr. Bennett was responsible for Clovis Community becoming host of the Valley Community Small Business Development

Contest giving all elementary students the chance to participate for an opportunity to win tickets to the 109th Clovis Rodeo. Winners of the student art competition will be announced the week of April 17.

“An educational leader for 26 years, Dr. Bennett served as the president, responsible for leading one of the newest and fastest growing community colleges in the state.”

The first actual awardee of the Dr. Lori Bennett Leadership Award was none other than the City of Clovis Assistant City Manager, Andy Haussler.

“For well over a decade, Andy has been stepping up to help create a better quality of life for the City of Clovis and neighboring communities…Often sought out for his wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, his willingness to serve, assist and provide support without expectations or fanfare made him the obvious choice to be the first recipient of this award.” Haussler was also awarded the Dr. Lori

Bennett Leadership Award for his efforts towards small business during the pandemic and beyond.

Nine other awardees from four different counties were honored as well.

As for the Valley Community SBDC, next year’s SBDC Day will seemingly commence on March 20th, as they look forward to awarding more on the front lines of small business.