Exhibit Archives

Sculptures by Montana Masters 
from the Hockaday Museum of Art Permanent Collection

Bronze, wood, and clay have been used by Montana artists from earliest recorded times. Blackfeet sculptor J. L. Clarke became famous for his wildlife carvings as the railroad encroached onto the western plains. The native artistic tradition continues with Gary Schildt. Most painters take some time to explore the tactile world of sculpture. Legendary studio artist Charles Russell made literally hundreds of animal models in his lifetime, as did Ace Powell. Some 3-D artists are also prolific painters, like Marvin Messing. Our namesake Hugh Hockaday made a career creating animated statues for stores, as well as casting sensitive bronzes at home.