In the over-crowded field of contemporary western artists, Ron Stewart’s professional achievements have made his work familiar to a wide range of discriminating collectors. Ron is among those who is tied hard and fast to the quality of painting and the historical fidelity of the Old West Masters.

The refined artistic abilities, in watercolor, oil, and bronze, are truly distinguished, but Ron brings more to his work than just the technical competence of a western illustrator.

The Ron Stewart hallmark is the representation of the mood and the atmosphere appropriate to whatever he approaches. His paintings breathe life into the dusty pages of western history, be it the bawl of longhorn cattle, the war whoop of the red men, or the mountain man in his wilderness solitude.

Ron is a friendly, low keyed personality whose art speaks of an obvious talent, of technical competence and of a genuine love for the Old West.

For 29 years, Robert Skerl has had a passion for birds. His bronze re-creations masterfully demonstrate his knowledge and understanding of his subjects. Still a teenager, Robert spent his time as a volunteer “bird-bander”, assisting in the study of migration patterns, and working in rehabilitation programs for injured birds of prey. His early artistic outlet was woodcarving. His creations brought rave reviews in both the United States and Canada winning First Place awards at the Ward Foundation World Wild Fowl Carving Competition, The Canadian National Exhibition, and the Best of Show at the Great Lakes, and Crane Creek competitions.

Robert readily attributes his growth in those early years to working many summers with world-class bird artist and carver, Larry Barth, in his studio in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. In 1998, he met another world-class artist, Walt Horton, of Vail Colorado. At Walt’s mountain studio, Robert spent many hours being coached and taught the art and discipline of bronze.

Robert’s approach to his subjects mirror his decades of study of birds in their natural habitat. He sees not only the natural beauty and majesty, but also the humor, playfulness, and romance to be found there. Each of his creations has a personality as well. His “Falconer’s Pride” shows a trained falcon at rest. Although tethered, this magnificent bird effuses an inner strength that nears arrogance! The pair of swans languishing on a pond in “Wedding Dance” portrays a delicate intimacy that is intoxicating. His recent “No Hunting” is certainly a break from the traditional “bird” sculpture, Oh, it has birds…a pair of haughty adult pheasants perched atop a “no hunting” sign. The fox pup looking up at them has other thoughts….”Just wait till I grow up!”

Robert’s work runs the gamut from tabletop pieces, to a nine-foot tall monument “Rocky Mountain Redtail”. He constantly explores differing textures and surfaces. With that variety has come growing popularity. His works are in galleries in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Oregon and Wyoming in the West, as well as West Virginia in the Midwest.

Garland Sawyer moved to Jackson in 1972 and worked for a grocery store for a number of years. He used to deliver groceries to many of the log cabins around town. He always loved what he calls “old Wyoming log homes” and their stone fireplaces. He was especially fond of their intricately designed antique cook stoves.

One day, while visiting a friend in Bondurant, Wyoming, Garland noticed he had an elk horn chair by the fireplace. He said it was made by John Wertz in the 1930’s. Wertz worked at what is now called the Elk Horn Store in Pinedale. Garland contacted Wertz’s nearest relative, Irene Dockam, whom he had known for some years. She gave Garland a post card showing Johnny Wertz making an elk horn chair. Irene told the story of how Wertz rode a horse from Texas all the way to Bondurant in the 30’s. Garland told Irene he thought he could make a chair as seen in the postcard. He thought he might as well try, since no one would sell theirs to him! Irene said, “Son, you just go right ahead!”

Garland now creates these beautiful chairs made of rawhide and shed elk antlers from the Jackson Hole area. He calls them “Old Wyoming”, appropriately named by someone who so loves the West.

b. 1954

Ken Rowe was born in 1954 and raised in Arizona. As a young boy he was known to express himself through various art mediums, such as drawing, painting and sculpting. An avid outdoorsman, Ken has devoted his life to combining his vocation with his avocation through a career in wildlife art.

An early interest in taxidermy led to his work in wildlife sculpture, and he and his wife opened a commercial studio where he created life- sized animal mannequins. Taxidermists bought these and draped the skins over them.

At the age of 26, Ken opened his own wildlife art studio where, as a taxidermist, he sculpted life-sized models. Over the past 15 years Ken has submerged himself in a business that demands an intense study of anatomy, composition and wildlife physiology. Ken believes that this in-depth knowledge is an extremely important quality of a wildlife artist.

Ken has expanded his talents into the creation of bronze sculpture. These bronzes depict Ken’s love and appreciation for wildlife along with the legendary cowboys, bucking broncos and historic Native Americans of the southwest.

“To me, art is much more than finite detail. It is accuracy of the subject, story lines and the culmination of strength, texture and balance. In the visual sense, when one views my art, he or she should be able to feel the rugged beauty of the southwest and the vitality and diversity of its people.”

He did his first sculpture in the late 1980s, although he had been painting for many years, having been encouraged by his mother but not showing much skill in that medium.

He only sculpts animals that are in their natural environment because their muscles and bodies are better formed, and he likes to convey their personalities. He works from his studio in Sedona, Arizona, and does mountain biking for exercise.

Scott resides in Logan, Utah. His studio is located in Paradise, Utah. He loves this quiet peaceful place to do his work. Scott is a sculpting artist, specializing in creating unique ‘Old West’ and ‘Americana’ themed sculptures.

Scott sculpts using clay as his medium and casts these pieces into bronze. Working with the foundry, he inspects each piece, multiple times, as they make their way through the casting process. Scott uses the patina to bring out the spirit of each individual sculpture.

Though most of his work is inspired, sculpted and then sold, Scott does consider monumental commission work. His recent completion of an eleven-man 1890’s football team monument (7′ H x 12′ W), only enhanced his love of working on a very large scale.

In his own words, “Whether a piece be small or large, I love seeing a sculpture silhouette make an impact from a distance. To see a work of art, I created, having visible effect on a viewer, is humbling.”

Sculpture with meaning. Sculpture to lift the human spirit. Sculpture to inspire.

Gary Lee Price sculptures capture this unique human spirit. This is the essence of his work. This is his life’s journey.

Literally, thousands of Gary Lee Price sculptures are in public and private collections throughout the world. One of the largest libraries in the world, the Hong Kong Central Library, is graced by the recent acquisition of twelve Gary Lee Price life-size bronze sculptures. This impressive display includes bronzes of intrigued young readers, happy children releasing doves, boys and girls playing with shells in water, some holding beautiful flowers, and others soaring through the air as though weightless. Additionally, two round frogs, “Puffed Up Princes,” are stationed as sentinels at the entrance of the children’s library.

The 11-foot “Celebration!” featuring joyous children celebrating life and soaring around a globe, was first unveiled in Surrey, England at the American Community Schools. The most recent of these was dedicated in Decatur, Georgia by former First Lady, Rosalyn Carter. A 22-foot version of a similar sculpture is located at the entrance of the corporate headquarters for NuSkin International in Provo, Utah.

Gary’s 12-foot angel, “Messenger” monument, in Iceland, honors over 400 early immigrants to the United States.

Gary’s sculpture “Communion,” a 15-foot monument portraying grasping hands, graces the United Methodist Church of Brentwood, Tennessee. The interaction-of-hands theme has been an important aspect of his work as reflected in other pieces such as “Synergy,” Helping Hand,” “Ascent,” “Circle of Peace,” and “Circle of Friends.” Uplifting others, helping others, and joining hands with others in brotherhood and sisterhood are essential parts of the life of Gary Lee Price. Perhaps the unexpected and tragic loss of his parents at age six and the subsequent abuse anchored within him the importance of enduring and positive relationships, and of the need to see and depict humanity in a positive light and on an upward journey.

Gary finds travel and research an important part of his life. For two years he lived in Germany, he spent six months in Israel, one month touring the jungles and ruins of Mexico and Guatemala, and one month in Egypt. He visited eleven different European countries for three months. A recent trip found Gary and his family in Giverny, France doing research on one of his latest life-size sculptures of Claude Monet and “Monet’s Gaggle”.

In 1991, Gary was elected a member of the National Sculpture Society. In November 2001, he received the “Governor’s Mansion Artist Award,” from Governor Michael Leavitt of Utah, for his outstanding support of the arts. Aside from his sculpture images gracing the covers of various magazines and books, the December 2003 issue of Utah Valley Magazine featured a cover story on Gary and his career entitled, “The Spirit of Giving.” In 2005, it was announced that this prolific sculptor has been selected to create the 300-foot Statue of Responsibility on the west coast of the United States.

His works are included in public and private collections in homes, galleries, museums, libraries, corporations, cities, and educational institutions throughout the world, including the following: Springville Museum of Art; Salt Lake County Permanent Arts Collection; Culver Military Academy of Culver, Indiana; American Community Schools of Surry, England; Westside Preparatory School of Chicago; LDS Museum of Church History & Art of Salt Lake City, Utah; Rich De Voss Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Dallas Arboretum; Birmingham Botanical Gardens; Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital of Dallas, Texas; Gladney Center of Fort Worth; Galleria Paseo Mall of Puerto Rico; Santa Clara City Library ; Bluegrass Airport of Lexington, Kentucky; Neverland Ranch of Los Olivios, California; University of California Berkeley; Cessna Aircraft of Wichita, Kansas; Indianapolis Children’s Museum; and many more places of private and public gatherings.

Gary Lee Price has been sculpting professionally for over 25 years and has supported a successful fine art business during those years. His latest corporate endeavor is the creation of Little Bitz of Inspiration. This is an exciting company that will increase awareness of Gary’s work and passion for creating a better world. Some of his all-time favorite works will be produced in collectible pewter form.

The 50-year-old sculptor resides in Springville, Utah. He credits his success to his mother, who instilled in Gary the ability to express himself through art; to his friend and wife, Lanea, who offers constant love and support; and to their five boys-Zachariah, Isaiah, Tyrone, Raphael, and Justin-who provide constant inspiration. “My passion for art and my belief that art empowers and lifts the human spirit has only grown stronger throughout my life. I have been blessed with many generous and selfless mentors, and my dream is to pass on those gifts to others. Gary believes in ‘perpetual student-hood’ and teaches regularly at his studio in his hometown of Springville, Utah.

Gary muses, “I hope I can assist the world in visualizing a place where fences and boundaries, both real and imagined, are non-existent; a place where bias and prejudice are long forgotten; and finally, a place where acts of kindness, mutual respect, and love are everyday happenings.”

“The spirit of man is what makes him unique above all of God’s creations.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bryce Pettit was born in northern Utah and grew up surrounded by nature and the outdoors. He has always been captivated by nature and has always had the desire to express the wonder and energy he finds around him. Bryce is a lifelong outdoorsman, naturalist and fisherman. Ever since he can remember Bryce has had a passion for creating art. He grew up drawing and painting, but when he first discovered sculpture, a deep connection was forged, “I could never get enough and took every opportunity to learn and practice.”

Trained as both an artist and a biologist, he uses strong lines and sound design principles to express his feelings about the natural world. Bryce studied biology, ecology and art both at an undergraduate and graduate level at BYU. His expertise in the understanding of biology and aquatic ecosystems reflects in all his sculptures. He spends many hours observing and experiencing nature in an effort to better understand his subject and to improve his art. For Bryce his art the culmination of his knowledge, feeling and love of nature.

Bryce has received various national and regional awards and has sculptures in public and private collections throughout the country as well as being a member of The Society of Animal Artists. Through serious art study and hard work, he is always striving to progress and improve his sculpting.

Chris Navarro, a rodeo competitor has been sculpting professionally since 1986. He is best known for his large monumental sculptures. “Champion Lane Frost” a 15-ft bull rider is displayed on the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo grounds in Wyoming. “When Champions Meet”, a 15-ft saddle bronc rider is placed at the entrance to the Stampede Rodeo Arena in Greeley, Colorado. The “1Oth Mountain”, a 14-ft World War II ski soldier is displayed in Aspen, Colorado. The Colorado State Department Of Agriculture has commissioned Chris to create a 15-ft monument titled “20% Chance Of Flurries” to honor the farmers and ranchers of Colorado. This monument will be placed on the Colorado State University campus. His reflections of the West have given Navarro a national following. His limited editions are coveted by collectors across the country.

Sculpture doesn’t live in a world of flat paint. It glows in the realism of breadth of dimension, shape, form, detail and artist interpretation. Navarro’s work seems to breathe.

“Monuments are time consuming efforts. They take months and months to design and create, but the personal satisfaction completion brings is very rewarding. To know they will be standing ‘in the sun long after I’m gone for future generations to experience and enjoy is thrilling. Sculpting is what I do for a living, but I don’t ever plan on retiring. I’ve found something I really love to do and I hope people can see that through the work I’ve done. Because when I finish a sculpture, it becomes part of me.”

“My work has always been intertwined with my life. I think I’m the only one who will limit what I achieve. They say a man needs three things in his life for real happiness: Someone to love, work that is satisfying, and something to hope for. I feel very fortunate to have this and more.”

Resides: Casper, Wyoming and Sedona, Arizona U.S.A.

Jason first recognized he had a strong interest in sculpture while working at a bronze casting foundry in 1993. Never before being exposed to art, he soon learned that this experience would change his life forever. The process of casting and applying patina was so inspiring to him that he began spending hours after work creating and casting his own pieces.

Within a few years, he had created a small body of work; and, most importantly, established his own recognizable style. Since wildlife had always been a strong influence in his life, he chose to focus on it and show each animal’s character in a way no other artist had.

Today, Jason is known around the globe for his stylized collection of wildlife sculptures. His smooth surfaces, graceful lines and carefully selected high polished areas accentuate motion and give life to some of nature’s most beloved subjects. Jason applies a patina finish to suit each animal and are so unique they have given him a reputation amongst his collectors and peers alike. His trademark patina finishes have taken years of experimentation to develop and along with his distinct style have gained him notoriety in the art world.

Jason is even more passionate today about his work and strives to make an impact with each new piece. The challenges of working in bronze seems to be a driving force for Jason and continues to be his medium of choice. Its strength, permanence and ability to produce color are important qualities. However, the expression of the form and the feeling it portrays is most crucial and must be presented in such a way that it evokes emotion in all of us.