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I first came across LaQuincey Reed sculpture at the 2021 Summer Arts Festival in Whitefish, MT. As soon as I laid eyes on his Black cowboy figures – historic and contemporary – I knew I had “discovered” an important voice in the future of Western art. A skilled storyteller sharing an important, overlooked, story. The stunning originality of his Black teenager in a Kobe Bryant jersey with cowboy hat hoisting a saddle from his hip was bracing. The imagery completely new to art.
LaQuincey Reed sculpture career has been taking off since with three life-sized bronze commissions debuting in 2022 at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Reed’s hometown, and a year-long residency at the Skirvin Hotel there.
Up next for Reed, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan, OK where he will be welcomed as its new featured artist with an artist reception to highlight his works January 12 from 6-8 p.m. at CTHC. Reed is an accomplished artist and Elected Member of the National Sculpture Society based in OKC. His exhibit, “Black Cowboy: The Legacy,” will be at CTHC January 9 through February 28. During the reception, Reed will also be unveiling his original clay sculpture CTHC commissioned him to make. Once his exhibit finishes, the piece will go to a foundry to be cast.
“We’ve known LaQuincey for a few years now and we are always so impressed with his creations,” Leah Mulkey, CTHC Assistant Director, said. “His sculptures tell vivid stories, and we knew he was an artist we wanted to work with to show more diverse perspectives of cowboys during the Chisholm Trail.”
LaQuincey Reed sculpture will be the first exhibit of 2023 in the Garis Gallery of the American West. The 2023 theme is Diversity on the Trail, which coincides with CTHC’s new Diversity on the Trail exhibit.
Entry to the reception is free and open to everyone. Guests can view Reed’s exhibit and will have the opportunity to visit with him.
“We encourage the community to come see LaQuincey’s sculptures and help us celebrate not only his amazing talent, but also the often untold stories of Black cowboys,” Mulkey said.
What do you think?