Inspired by the Land: The Legacy of Art in Cody Country
In Cody, Wyoming, the land doesn’t just speak—it sings, sculpts, and paints. Artists have been drawn to this region for over a century, captivated by the wild beauty of Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding landscapes. Towering mountains, golden plains, and the ever-changing Wyoming sky offer a canvas of inspiration that’s hard to match.
This connection between nature and creativity is deeply woven into our community’s identity. From early explorers and painters like Thomas Moran, whose works helped inspire the creation of Yellowstone itself, to the sculptures and paintings of Frederic Remington, whose depictions of cowboys, Native Americans, and frontier life continue to define the American West, Cody has long been a haven for artists seeking both solitude and inspiration.
Remington, like many others, was captivated by the raw spirit of the West. As a regular visitor to the area, his influence and aesthetic resonate strongly with the western artists who find their muse in the Cody area today. His work, along with Moran’s, laid the foundation for generations of artists to follow, artists who come to Cody to tell stories with brush and bronze.
Other legendary artists have also left their mark on the Cody region. Charles M. Russell, one of the most iconic Western painters and sculptors, is featured prominently in Cody’s Whitney Western Art Museum. Joseph Henry Sharp, a founder of the Taos Society of Artists, sketched the Crow and Shoshone peoples in the 1880s and brought early artistic focus to the cultural richness of the region.
Harry Jackson, a renowned painter and sculptor who made Cody and nearby Lost Cabin his home, captured the West through bold, expressive forms. His work is known for blending classical Western themes with a modern sensibility. Edward T. Grigware, who moved to Cody in the 1930s, created public murals that still grace the community’s churches and public buildings.
And more recently, realist painter James Bama found lifelong inspiration in Cody’s people and setting, making Wapiti his home and documenting the authentic spirit of the West through stunning portraits. His influence is still felt strongly in the local art community.
Art here isn’t just decoration. It tells our stories. It preserves our heritage. It sparks conversations and brings people together, from long-term locals to first-time visitors, by offering them a shared experience through creativity.
The Cody Country Chamber of Commerce is proud to be part of this tradition. As we gear up for the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale this fall, we invite you to reflect on the role art plays in your life and our community. It’s more than a fundraiser. It’s a celebration of the place we call home and the artists who help us see it anew.
Stay tuned this week as we highlight the artists, the stories, and the spirit behind Cody’s vibrant western art scene.