Dave McGary (American, 1958-2013), Stronghearts (Bust)

1997, Native American Women’s Series, bronze with hand-detailed patina and polychrome, edition number 25/75, with artist signature and fingerprint, presented on a walnut swivel pedestal base. Includes certificate of authenticity from the artist's studio, and other related purchase paperwork.

23 x 14 x 9 1/2 in.

Private Collection, Williamsburg, Virginia

Purchased from McGary Studios, Ruidoso, New Mexico

McGary grew up in Cody, Wyoming and is known for his realistic bronze Native American figural sculpture. In the 1970s he earned a grant to study bronze making with western sculptor Harry Jackson (American, 1924-2011) in Italy, with emphasis on casting techniques and Renaissance marble carving. After gaining further foundry experience working in New Mexico for several years, he became highly interested in Native American culture through his friendship with Sioux Indian families in South Dakota. McGary has won numerous awards for his works, including the Honorary Lifetime Alumni Award from Eastern New Mexico University. He has completed several large-scale public bronze monuments. In 1995, his monumental 225-foot-long bronze equine sculpture, Free Spirits at Noisy Water, was installed at Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico. McGary's work is included in various private collections, and is highly regarded not just for its intricacy and technical facility in capturing detail, but also for honoring the spirit of Native American culture. His sculptures occupy places of honor in an array of prestigious settings, including the Smithsonian Museum, the U.S. Capitol National Statuary Hall, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Wyoming State Capital, the Buffalo Bill Historical Museum, the Gene Autry Museum, Concordia University and many more.

Good condition; a few very minor scratches to the base.

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