Embrace the Struggle Arrives at ProRodeo Hall of Fame

by Justin Shaw | Nov 16, 2016

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A 38-piece exhibit of sculptures by the noted Western artist Chris Navarro has opened at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, featuring maquettes of some of Navarro’s most iconic pieces. Embrace the Struggle will remain in the PRHOF’s 101 Gallery through Feb. 19, 2017.

Navarro, from Casper, Wyo., and Sedona, Ariz., has been sculpting professionally since 1986 and is best known for the monumental bronze sculptures he has created for clients nationwide.

A former bull and saddle bronc rider who still team ropes, Navarro’s work often pays tribute to the Western world, including the 15-foot bronze of World Champion Bull Rider Lane Frost at Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Park, the 15-foot sculpture of a saddle bronc rider (entitled When Champions Meet) at the Greeley (Colo.) Independence Stampede grounds, and a 16-foot depiction of the famous bucking horse Steamboat for the University of Wyoming.

Navarro recently finished sculpting a life-size T-Rex for the Tate Museum in Casper Wyo. That, and other pieces of his art, can be seen at www.chrisnavarro.com.

He was chosen to be the Honorary Artist for the 2015 Buffalo Bill Art Show in Cody, Wyo., and received the 2015 Wyoming Governor’s art award.

“I love what I do for a living, and hope others can see that through the work I have created,” Navarro said. “I have been blessed with a great passion. When you love what you are doing, the real reward is in the experience of doing it.

“One of the best things in working with bronze … it is such a strong, durable, and permanent medium. In the end, it’s not about how many years you lived in this world, but what you leave behind that truly matters. All artists want to live on in their work. Knowing my work will be standing in the sun long after I’m gone for future generations to experience and enjoy is extremely rewarding.”

Courtesy of PRCA