Winter’s original form was created with driftwood collected from the Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Madison rivers by the world-renowned and local artist, Deborah Butterfield. Through a process of bronze casting and expert application of patinas, the wood was burnt away to leave behind a fascinating bronze sculpture strong enough to endure Montana winters. Butterfield’s horses grace outdoor locations across the country, and Big Sky is honored to have the first outdoor Butterfield in the state. This installation in our community honors one of our state’s most accomplished artists and provides a spectacular anchor for all our public art efforts. Butterfield’s artwork is on display in public spaces, museums and private collections around the world, including New York’s Whitney Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art; and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C..
As part of the Arts Council’s “Pony Up!” campaign to raise funds for the $400,000 project, the organization solicited entries from local businesses and schools with possible names for the sculpture. Nearly 200 ideas were submitted and the final selection was made by the artist herself. Click here for the full article on the installation.
Watch an inspiring video about the artist here: Deborah Butterfield: Dialogue with an Artist.