John Coleman, CA Tales from the Trail Summer/Fall 2009

Click to view available John Coleman sculptures.

CAA in Phoenix Art Museum's Permanent Collection

by Jerry Smith, Associate Curator of American Art, Phoenix Art Museum 

Reprinted courtesy Tales from the Trail, Summer/Fall 2009

John Coleman, Explorer Artists Bodmer-Catlin Series: Addih-Hiddisch, Hidatsa Chief, Bronze Edition of 9, Collection of Phoenix Art Museum, Gift of Western Art Associates. Available for sale at Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery.

There is a great presence to John Coleman’s Addih-Hiddisch, Hidatsa Chief, 2004, a large bronze sculpture that weighs in at roughly 800 pounds and stands an imposing seven feet and three inches tall. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are clearly evident in this powerful work, and it is just one of several items by members of the Cowboy Artists of America on view at any given time in Phoenix Art Museum’s Western American Galleries.

John Coleman with his sculpture, Explorer Artists Bodmer-Catlin Series: Addih-Hiddisch, Hidatsa Chief, Bronze Edition of 9, Available for sale at Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery

At the time of this writing, Coleman’s sculpture is joined in the galleries with works by Herb Mignery, Bill Nebeker, Bill Owen, Gordon Snidow, Jim Reynolds, Robert Lougheed and Howard Terpning. With more than 30 examples of CAA art in permanent collection to date, however, the items on view are frequently rotated to feature others by the likes of Joe Beeler, Tom Ryan, Fritz White, or Oreland Joe, to name just a few. These works not only enhance our galleries, but they also are frequently lent to other museums for various exhibitions across the country. Two of our CAA works are currently hanging in Washington D.C., on loan to the congressional offices of Congressman Ed Pastor and Senator Jon Kyl.

John Coleman, Explorer Artists Bodmer-Catlin Series: Addih-Hiddisch, Hidatsa Chief, close-up image 

One of the great strengths of the Museum is our collection of Western art, both historical and contemporary. Over the years, this strong collection of American art has been greatly enriched by our close association with the CAA Sale & Exhibition. While the Museum does not have the resources to purchase works outright, gifts by individuals and support organizations (particularly the Men’s Arts Council and Western Art Associates) have made Phoenix Art Museum one of the best places in the country to enjoy the art of the CAA within a greater Western art context. These images, featured alongside other contemporary Western artists, help to provide a full range of Western art for visitors to enjoy at Phoenix Art Museum.

John Coleman, Explorer Artists Bodmer-Catlin Series: Addih-Hiddisch, Hidatsa Chief, close-up image