The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth will commence in slightly more than two months, accompanied by the reveal of the Stampede Rotary Dream Home featuring an array of design inspirations along with breathtaking artwork. For this edition, Calgary-based artist Jamie Kim, who is both a self-taught creator and a full-time occupational therapist, takes part.
selected as the 18
th
Dream Home Artist.
Her creation will be featured in both the 2025 Stampede Rotary Dream Home and at the Calgary Stampede Art Show within the Western Oasis pavilion during the 10-day Calgary Stampede event. This year’s celebration spans from July 4th through July 13th, providing this up-and-coming artist with an unparalleled chance for exposure.
“Victory is such an amazing honor, and I’m still in disbelief. This has been a lifelong dream,” remarks Jamie Kim, noting that she intensified her focus on artistic endeavors during the pandemic. She was simultaneously completing her practicum for a master’s degree in occupational therapy at that time. “That period made me consider ways to blend science with my artwork. I continue to explore this integration,” explains Kim, selected as the Dream Home artist from more than 50 applicants throughout Alberta.
She refers to her artistic approach as “abstract realism,” focusing on subjects inspired by nature. Working primarily with acrylics on canvas, she produces these pieces in series.
My aim is to delve deeply into settings,” states Kim, referring to her series Terracotta, which examines the color terracotta within various locations. “I draw inspiration from colors, perhaps a season, a hiking trail, the Rocky Mountains, a main theme, or an emotional state. My work involves multiple layers of acrylic paint—some translucent, others more solid—with plenty of textured elements.
She plans to incorporate several of these themes into her project for the Dream Home, featuring around 30 to 40 works that merge earthy, somber hues with textured components.
This is the 29
th
The year that Homes by Avi has been honored to create and construct the Dream Home, collaborating with the Stampede Lotteries and the Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park. Approximately 100,000 visitors are expected to tour this home for ideas and design insights. Ultimately, the Dream Home will find its new location within the Sirocco area at Pine Creek, which is being developed by Anthem.
This year’s ideal farmhouse-inspired home will encompass 2,480 square feet of living area across two floors. According to Julie Punter, who serves as the show home selections and presentation manager at Homes by Avi, the current design aesthetic can be characterized as moody, retro, and organic. When completed, she suggests that these elements together will create an awe-inspiring result.
Punter remarks, “Jamie’s artistic touch infuses this season’s home with a distinctive and engaging vitality. Her skill at merging nature-inspired motifs with striking, textured components aligns seamlessly with our current motif. We were impressed by her singular aesthetic; her approach to color and empty spaces encourages viewers to engage their imaginations. The artworks she produces exude modernity while also resonating strongly with the surrounding environment.”
This layout includes an expansive entrance hall enclosed by metal gates which open up to the dining area equipped with a built-in sideboard and a concealed Butler’s pantry. The dining room then flows seamlessly into the kitchen—a cozy and inviting environment—where countertops and tall backsplashes made from patterned stone add dynamic visual flow throughout the space. Rustic hues of orange-red, deep yellow, and dark gray combine with tactile materials such as rough-hewn timber and frosted glass to craft a gently curved yet striking aesthetic.
A dedicated workspace incorporates a fold-away Murphy bed for added flexibility. Above, a retro-inspired bar dominates the landing near the staircase leading to additional living quarters; this area also boasts an eye-catching round bathtub crafted from transparent smoked acrylic material within the main en-suite bathroom.
“It will be truly thrilling to witness my artwork brought to life in a space that mirrors the ambiance I’ve always dreamed of,” remarks Kim.
To learn more about Jamie Kim’s creations, check out @jamiejinsookim on Instagram or
homesbyavi.com/dreamhomeartist
.