Dave McGary (American, 1958-2013)

Sculptures

Who is painter Dave McGary?

Dave McGary was an American sculptor and interpreter of Native American culture. Throughout his life, he compiled and studied historical native dress, which helped inform his sculpture and jewelry making process. His pieces are easily recognizable thanks to their incredible detail and historical accuracy. His combination of paints, patinas, and hundreds of welded-together pieces show his dedication to his craft and to his reverence for Native American history.

Life for McGary began on the family ranch in Cody, Wyoming where he began as an apprentice jewelry maker to Harry Jackson, a famed metalworker and jewelry maker. From there McGary studied bronze making in Italy, eventually learning the casting techniques that he would use to create most of his life’s work. In the 1990s, McGary opened his own studio and Bronze gallery and enlisted the help of many artists in New Mexico to help staff his foundry. They would continue to produce pieces for McGary up until his death in 2013.

What type of art did Dave McGary create?

Dave McGary was a sculptor and jewelry maker whose foundry in New Mexico employs about 30 artisans to finish his pieces. Much of his work is extremely minute, with some jewelry pieces consisting of hundreds of welded together parts. Some of his sculptures are extremely large in size, one such being Touch the Clouds (1998) which features a Native American Chief with his arms outstretched that measures 15 feet across.

How often do Dave McGary sculptures come up for auction?

Dave McGary has an extensive auction record. While he was alive for only a relatively short period of time, his pace and breadth of his work during his life was extremely prolific. As of 2019, there are over 380 records of auction sales for McGary’s work, plus many more when you factor in his jewelry sales.

How much is a Dave McGary sculpture worth?

Dave McGary’s sculptures are often valued at several thousand dollars. Some can trend higher into the tens of thousands, depending on the subject, size, and other factors. Since many of his pieces highlight the Native Americans of the American Southwest, his work has found the highest bidders in that region. That said, McGary’s work is still valued the world-over, making his sculptures valuable to collectors from all parts of the globe.

Which Dave McGary sculpture is the most valuable?

Bear Tracks (unknown) is McGary’s most valuable sculpture. It was sold in 2007 for $60,000 -- right at where most estimates had placed it. It’s an extremely tall statue, well over nine feet tall, and features a Native American chief in full wardress. The bronze piece is also painted, with muted reds and bright blues that give the figure historical context and lifelike accuracy.

What are the most famous sculptures by Dave McGary?

McGary’s works are mostly historical in nature. As such Bear Tracks (unknown), American Horse (1993), and Last Stand Hill (unknown) are all good examples of famous McGary sculptures. He also famously was commissioned to make Touch the Clouds (1998) for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where it is still displayed to this day.