The Shreveport Regional Arts Council will host a reception to unveil the 2012 Angola Prison Rodeo commemorative poster commissioned from Sheriff Steve Prator. The event will be from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, April 19, at artspace, 710 Texas Street. It is open to the public, and there is no charge.

Prator, who has painted as a hobby for about two years, was asked to use his artwork for the poster after it was shown to Angola Warden Burl Cain by a mutual friend. This is the first time in the 17-year history of the poster that it has been designed by a sheriff. In years past, Angola inmates competed for the honor.

Prator will sign numbered prints of the poster that will be on sale Thursday for $25. Ten dollars of that amount goes to Angola inmate programs, and $15 is being donated by the Sheriff to SRAC. He will also sign unnumbered prints for $15, with $10 going to Angola and $5 going to SRAC.

Both the print and original painting will be on display at Thursday’s event. A selection of other paintings by Prator will also be displayed.

The Angola Prison Rodeo is the longest running prison rodeo in the world, having gotten its start in 1965. It will be held April 21-22 in Angola, LA.