Check Out The Bronze Artwalk HERE

🏛️ The Bronze Statues of Joseph Oregon

▢ Overview of the Bronze Art Walk

In 2002, Joseph installed seven monumental bronze sculptures as part of a downtown beautification project. Today, the collection includes life-size and larger-than-life pieces that depict the history, wildlife, and spirit of the American West.

Walkable along Main Street, these sculptures are permanent public art largely owned by the city, with a small number of rotating pieces managed by the Wallowa Valley Arts Council (WVAC).

🎨 Featured Artists & Sculptures

Austin Barton is best known for “Attitude Adjustment,” a dynamic bronco-rider sculpture capturing cowboy grit and the untamed spirit of the West. It remains a signature centerpiece along Main Street.

Shelley S. Curtiss and Dennis Jones contribute wildlife sculptures inspired by regional landscapes and ranching culture.

The late J. Shirly Bothum and David Manuel (known for his John Wayne monuments) also have pieces displayed in the collection.

▢ Culturally Significant Additions

In 2019, Native American artist Doug Hyde installed etweyé·wise (“I return from a hard journey”)—a powerful piece blending bronze and red granite. It reflects the Nez Perce exile and survival story and marked the first Native artist contribution to the Bronze Art Walk.

🔥 Working Foundry & Tours

Valley Bronze Foundry

• 📍 Address: 307 W Alder St, Joseph, OR

• 📞 Phone: (541) 432-7551

• 🌐 Website: www.valleybronze.com

The Valley Bronze Foundry is where the sculptures are created using the traditional lost-wax casting process.

They offer guided foundry tours where visitors can:

• Learn how bronze sculptures are made

• See works in progress

• Experience the craftsmanship behind Joseph’s iconic statues

🕒 Tours: Typically, Mon–Thu at 11:00am (seasonal)
💲 Cost: Around $20 per person (kids under 12 often free)

IN JOSEPH...

🎨 Aspen Grove Gallery
Aspen Grove Gallery

Address: 602 N Main St, Joseph, OR 97846
Phone: (541) 432-9555
Description: A fine art gallery featuring paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, handcrafted works, and now bronze by local and regional artists. Known for showcasing the natural beauty and wildlife of the Wallowa Mountains.

🎨 Phinney Gallery of Fine Art
PHINNEY GALLERY of Fine Art

Address: 17 S Main St, Joseph, OR 97846
Phone: (541) 231-2977
Description: Fine art gallery specializing in original paintings, western art, landscapes, wildlife, bronze and contemporary works by established regional artists. A longtime Main Street gallery popular with collectors and visitors.

🎨 Star Gallery
Star Gallery
Address: 18 S Main St, Joseph, OR 97846
Phone: (541) 432-7445
Description: Operated by Valley Bronze, Star Gallery features bronze sculpture, western art, wildlife art, paintings, and works by many of the artists whose sculptures help make Joseph known as Oregon's bronze art capital.

Visitor Tip: These three galleries are all within easy walking distance of one another on Joseph's Main Street and are among the best places for visitors to experience the town's nationally recognized western and bronze art scene.

IN ENTERPRISE...

🏛️ Valley Bronze Gallery & Foundry
Address: 18 S River St, Enterprise, OR 97828
Phone: (541) 426-8261
Description: One of the largest fine-art bronze foundries in the Northwest. Visitors can view gallery exhibits, watch bronze casting operations, and learn how many of the sculptures displayed throughout Joseph and the Wallowa Valley are created.

🎨 Valley Bronze Sculpture Garden & Gallery
Address: 18 S River St, Enterprise, OR 97828
Phone: (541) 426-8261
Description: Outdoor and indoor displays of western, wildlife, Native American, and contemporary bronze sculpture. Visitors can stroll through the sculpture garden and view finished works from nationally recognized artists represented by Valley Bronze.

▢ Visitor Tips

Start your experience at the Valley Bronze Foundry, where the history and craftsmanship behind the bronzes are showcased.

Then stroll the Main Street Bronze Art Walk—a fantastic way to enjoy both the sculptures and the scenic backdrop of the Wallowa Mountains. Visitors consistently say the foundry tour makes the artwork around town even more meaningful.

Next visit our 5 Art and Bronze Gallerys.

To learn more about the region’s art and culture, visit the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, which offers exhibits, artist information, and cultural pro

✔️ Notable Artists - Austin Barton • Shelley Curtiss • Dennis Jones • Doug Hyde • David Manuel • J. Shirly Bothum