Dan Ostermiller: An Animalier's Tale

Before Dan Ostermiller would bring creatures to life in bronze, he first learned to sculpt their delicate features as a taxidermist. The young artist grew up in Wyoming, working alongside his father, Roy, in the family’s renowned taxidermy shop. Dan showed an early knack for capturing the animals’ personalities and liveliness—skills his father hoped Dan would channel into the family business.

Inquisitive Doe, bronze, ed. of 20, 19 x 13 3/8 x 5 1/2 in.

While the shop offered a golden opportunity to study wildlife anatomy, it couldn’t contain Dan’s talents for long. His heart lay in sculpting. Eventually, Dan shifted his career squarely into the art world, onto a path that was anything but certain. What was certain was his skill and passion—the foundational tools any artist needs to succeed.

The Prophet, bronze, ed. of 15, 75 x 8 x 12 in.

Some say making it as a full-time artist is all about who you know. That’s not entirely true—but the right connections—and the right patrons—make a tremendous difference. For Ostermiller, that difference came at an art fair in Colorado, where he met a Santa Fe gallerist named Nedra Matteucci. Nedra needed something eye-catching to attract more foot traffic to her gallery on Canyon Road, and Ostermiller’s wildlife sculptures were perfect.

annie (monument), bronze, ed. of 12, 40 1/2 x 33 1/4 x 31 1/2 in.

Annie (desk-sized edition), bronze, ed. of 100, 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 3 1/2 in.

The circumstances were perfect, too. Dan wanted to make monument-sized works but lacked the funds. Nedra had funds but needed the right artist. Just like that, a forty-year partnership was born—one that would launch both their careers to new heights.

Dan Ostermiller in his studio with Scottish Angus Cow and a Calf (in clay), a public installation in Denver, Colorado

Since his first solo exhibition in 1980, Dan’s work has captivated audiences from all walks of life. There’s an innate sense of wonder in Dan’s sculptures that springs from his own inner curiosity and fascination with his subjects.

ursus rising, bronze, ed. of 20, 19 1/2 x 23 1/4 x 25 1/2 in.

Today, Dan is a giant of American sculpture with countless awards and commissions to his name. His works can be found in museums, gardens, zoos, universities, and private collections. Ostermiller is also a former president and sitting board member of the National Sculpture Society (NSS) and an active member in the Society of Animal Artists. In 2015, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for achievement by the NSS—their highest honor.

copete (Monument), bronze, ed. of 12, 52 x 14 1/2 x 53 in.

Dan and Nedra with Montana Wild, a monument gifted to the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana.

Dan’s work will be on display at a special exhibition this summer, celebrating his fifty-year career. Dan Ostermiller Animalier: Celebrating 50 Years of Sculpting opens Saturday, June 27, 2026 with a public reception from 2-4 pm. It will run through Friday, July 17, 2026 at Nedra Matteucci Galleries in Santa Fe.

The show is free and open to the public.