Monumental New Work of Western Art Comes to Old Town Scottsdale

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) — A striking new work of Western art is coming to the heart of Old Town Scottsdale this December. Way of the Wild, 1832, an eight-foot-tall bronze monument by acclaimed Western artist John Coleman, will be permanently installed near the entrance of Western Spirit Museum, creating a new public art experience for residents and visitors alike.

The monument, generously donated by Western Spirit Trustee Howie Alper, will be unveiled at a private ceremony on December 1 before going on public display.

“John has an extraordinary ability to tell a story through bronze and to capture the strength, character and spirit of the American West,” Alper said. “Way of the Wild, 1832 is a powerful piece, and I wanted it to be somewhere people could experience and enjoy it for generations. Western Spirit is the perfect home for it, and I’m proud that it will now welcome visitors to the museum.”

Way of the Wild, 1832 depicts a lone hunter standing tall and confident, his gaze directed into the distance. The commanding figure evokes the independence, determination and uncertainty of life in the American West during the early 19th century.

Positioned just outside the Smithsonian Affiliate museum, the monument will offer visitors an introduction to the stories, people and artistry of the West before they even step through the museum’s doors.

The installation further extends Western Spirit’s collection beyond the walls of the museum, creating a prominent new piece of public art for residents and visitors to experience year-round.

Visitors inspired by Way of the Wild, 1832 can discover more of John Coleman’s work inside Western Spirit Museum in the ongoing exhibition, Collecting Stories: John Coleman Bronzes from the Collection of Frankie and Howard Alper.

The exhibition features a selection of bronzes from Alper’s collection, including Coleman’s acclaimed 10-piece Explorer Artist Series, inspired by 19th-century paintings by George Catlin and Karl Bodmer.

Together, the outdoor monument and indoor exhibition offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the artistry and storytelling of one of the West’s celebrated sculptors.

Coleman, who is known as “The sculptor who whispers to bronze,” was born in 1949 in Southern California. He studied art at the Art Center for Design in Los Angeles and has sculpted full time since 1994. In 1999, he was voted into professional membership of The National Sculpture Society of New York.

“We are so grateful to Howie and his generous donation of this incredible monument,” said Todd Bankofier, CEO and Executive Director of Western Spirit Museum. “This exceptionally detailed piece immediately brings to mind the ruggedness of the West. We look forward to inviting visitors to the museum to see this exceptional bronze art in-person.”

Located just outside the Smithsonian Affiliate museum, the monument will bring Western art beyond the museum’s galleries and into the public landscape of Scottsdale.

Residents and visitors are invited to stop by Western Spirit Museum at 3830 N. Marshall Way in Old Town Scottsdale to experience this remarkable new work of art beginning in December.

For more information about current exhibits, educational programming, memberships, and upcoming events, visit Westernspirit.org.

Museum memberships start at $75 for two adults. General admission prices are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and military members, $12 for students and children ages 6–17, and free for children 5 and under. Save $3 on general admission when purchasing tickets online in advance.