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Lory Berenz, right, of Durango, looks
at a bronze
entitled "Symphonies of the Heart" as husband,
Hank Berenz, center, talks to the artist, Dave
McGary, left.
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The combination of Dave McGary’s bronze
sculptures and Albert Dreher’s oil-wash
paintings makes for a colorful and contemplative show at the
handsome Toh-Atin Gallery.
The show should be a special treat for local gallery-goers. It is the
celebrated McGary’s
first major exhibition in Durango. A native of Wyoming and now a
resident of New Mexico, McGary, 42, is a past resident of Durango and graduated from Durango
High School prior
to studying art in Italy.
His bronze depictions of Native Americans are in
prestigious collections throughout the
nation. He was recently commissioned to create an 11-foot-tall monument
of Shoshone
leader Chief Washakie for the U.S. Capitol rotunda.
The drama and authentic detail in McGary’s work are notable. Via
exquisite patina and paint,
McGary’s bronze figures are garbed in finely detailed clothing. The
artist is obviously a
student of High Plains Indian culture."Iron Bear," for example, is a dramatic bust
of a warrior, a stern-looking member of a celibate
society of fighting men. His visage suggests he is a visionary.
"Hearts of Conviction" is an equally
dramatic work. Depicted is a warrior and his bride.
Pensive, she clings to her husband, who seems to be anticipating an
upcoming battle.
The work captures a solemn moment in time.
A happier moment is presented in "In Her Father’s
Footsteps," the joyful figure of a little
girl dressing in her father’s garb and wearing his large moccasins.
She has a blissful
expression on her face.
Portraiture is strong in McGary’s work.
"Symphonies of the Heart" depicts a young man
playing a flute for his love, who appears content while fingering her
hair.
"Tools of the Trade" presents a cluster of
such warrior items as a rifle, tomahawk and
headdress. |
