Cowboys Artists of America Week: Stories in Bronze with Alvin Marshall and Dustin Payne

Cowboys Artists of America Week: Stories in Bronze with Alvin Marshall and Dustin Payne

Workshop | Available

All Levels
2/1/2027-2/5/2027
9:00 AM-4:00 PM MST (Arizona) on Mon Tue Wed Th Fri
$800.00
$70.00

Cowboys Artists of America Week: Stories in Bronze with Alvin Marshall and Dustin Payne

Workshop | Available

This workshop guides students through the complete process of creating a Western sculpture, from the first idea to a finished piece ready for the foundry. Students will begin with armature construction and move into developing strong compositions that support the story they want to tell. As the course progresses, focus will shift to proportion and anatomy, with special attention given to the complexities of the horse and rider. Emphasis will also be placed on surface treatment and finishing techniques, all while keeping the bronze casting process in mind. The goal of this class is to equip students with a clear, practical understanding of every stage of sculpture. www.dustinpayne.com

Marshall, Alvin
Alvin Marshall

Alvin K. Marshall is a distinguished Native American sculptor and painter whose art has become a powerful expression of cultural identity, storytelling, and resilience. His intricately carved sculptures—most often in alabaster or marble—offer more than aesthetic beauty; they represent a profound connection to Navajo traditions, values, and the experiences of Native people in the contemporary world. Through his artistry, Alvin not only preserves his cultural legacy but also brings Native voices to the forefront of modern art.

Alvin grew up immersed in the landscapes, stories, and spirituality of the Navajo Nation. This deep-rooted connection to the land and his people is central to his work. He often draws on traditional themes such as harmony with nature, the importance of family, and the sacredness of everyday life. These elements are not merely symbolic; they are carved with reverence into stone, giving physical form to oral traditions that have been passed down through generations.

His subjects often include Navajo elders, women, warriors, and symbolic animals such as eagles and bears. The emotional depth he achieves—through expressions, postures, and delicate details—imbues his figures with life and dignity. With his work Alvin is reminding viewers of the beauty, complexity, and perseverance of Indigenous cultures.
Alvin's sculptures have been exhibited nationally and internationally, earning him recognition and numerous awards. Yet, for Alvin, success is not measured merely by accolades, but by the opportunity to inspire young Native artists and to educate broader audiences about Navajo culture. He frequently participates in workshops and lectures, advocating for the preservation of Indigenous knowledge systems through the arts.

Alvin K. Marshall stands as a master artist and cultural ambassador. Through his dedication to the art of stone carving and painting, he brings to life the enduring spirit of the Navajo people. His work transcends aesthetic value—it is an embodiment of identity, a voice for the voiceless, and a bridge between generations. In a world where cultural narratives are too often marginalized, Alvin’s art stand as enduring monuments to the power of tradition, memory, and creative resilience.

Payne, Dustin
Dustin Payne

Dustin Payne is a Western sculptor known for his historically accurate bronze work capturing the spirit and authenticity of ranch life. Born in 1981 into a rodeo and ranching family in southern New Mexico, and a third-generation sculptor, he developed his craft early through both tradition and firsthand experience.

A member of the Cowboy Artists of America since 2017, Dustin has earned multiple top honors at their annual exhibitions. His work has been featured in major museum exhibitions, including the Briscoe Western Art Museum, where he received the Museum Purchase Award during his debut at the Night of Artists.

His large-scale monuments include The Legend, The Lore, The Law, honoring the Texas Rangers at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas, as well as sculptures of Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving in Pueblo, Colorado. He continues to develop multiple new works each year and exhibits in nationally recognized Western art shows and galleries across the country.