The Bleu Horses
Grouped on a hilltop overlooking Highway 287, Jim Dolan’s 39 horse sculptures survey the land, each seemingly aware of each other, moving and not moving, vigilant and brave against the wind, sun and snow. They are his gift to the people of Montana, a way of giving back to a place that has supported his art for so many years.
Although the horses stand eight feet tall from the shoulders, they look as natural as a herd of wild horses. Banded together in small gatherings, just the way horses naturally socialize, it takes a second glance to realize they’re not living, breathing animals. That’s because Dolan understands perspective. He understands horses. And he understands how creating Blue Horses will add to the natural beauty of the area.
This installation was a long time in coming. Dolan planned it for years before finding the right place and the right time to bring it fruition. It was a stroke of luck that Dolan stopped by Wheat Montana, where he spoke with owner Dean Folkvord about his frustration about finding the right place to put his sculpture. Right then and there, Folkvord offered Kamp Hill. Again, a significant act giving that only increases the intent of the piece.
In this tribute Dolan hopes to inspire others to give back – to their communities, their towns and their state.
The Artist
Jim Dolan is a metal sculptor based out of Bozeman, MT. For the past 40 years, Jim has created over 170 large-scale public pieces world-wide as well as hundreds of private pieces. Jim’s style of welding steel and other metals into realistic representations is unique among sculptors. He is particularly well-known for his western wildlife, the realism of which has been evidenced by live wildlife mistaking Jim’s sculptures for part of the heard. These pieces have ranged from table-top size to a golden eagle with a 36 foot wingspan, installed in Osaka, Japan.
Jim is also known for his three-dimensional, heat-endured metal paintings and for his architectural design elements. Jim’s art has been inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature and by individuals with exceptional talent or passion. His work intends to inspire others to appreciate nature and pursue their own talents and passions.
