Curt Mattson
Born 1956, in Fullerton, California; lives in Cave Creek, Arizona
“WHAT I DESIRE for the art I create,” says Curt Mattson, “is a piece that is compelling and artistically challenging, that will grab viewers’ attention and not let them go.” Mattson succeeds, due in part to a lifetime of involvement with one of his favorite subjects—horses—especially Western cowboys’ mounts.
Born in California, Mattson comes from a long line of horsemen. His family trained and showed horses, and he worked on ranches stretching from California to Alberta, Canada, a thorough education in all things related to horses. His grandfather made saddles and riding gear; he taught his grandson the craft and encouraged him to create sculpture “in order to tell stories of the buckaroo.” In 1988, Mattson acted on his grandfather’s advice, turning to sculpture as a full time occupation. His decision has been rewarding. Artistically successful, he feels honored to share the work he loves with others.
Notable Awards and Achievements:
2018 Allied Artists of America, The Ranieri Sculpture Award
2017 Briscoe Western Art Museum, Night of Artists, James Bowie Award for Best Sculpture
2015 American Artists Professional League, 87th Grand National Exhibition, Kathryn Thayer Hobson Memorial Award
2015 American Artists Professional League, Members-Only Sculpture Theme Show, Best in Show
2014 Art Renewal Center, 2013–2014 International ARC Salon, Sculpture Finalist
2014 American Artists Professional League, Members-Only Sculpture Theme Show, Best in Show
2013 American Artists Professional League, 85th Grand National Exhibition, President’s Award
2013 Art Renewal Center, 2012–2013 International ARC Salon, Sculpture Finalist
2012 American Artists Professional League, 84th Grand National Exhibition, George Gach Memorial Award
2011 San Dimas Festival of Arts, Western Fine Art Exhibition & Sale, Gold Medal Sculpture (also 2010, 2009, 2007)
2009 San Dimas Festival of Arts, Western Fine Art Exhibition & Sale, Best of Show (also 2007)
2008 American Artists Professional League, 80th Grand National Exhibition, Leonard J. Meiselman Memorial Award for Traditional Sculpture (also 2006)
2008 Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Quest for the West, Cyrus Dallin Award for Best Sculpture
2007 American Artists Professional League, 79th Grand National Exhibition, Frank C. Wright, Jr. Gold Medal of Honor
2007 San Dimas Festival of Arts, Western Fine Art Exhibition & Sale, Festival Choice Purchase Award
2006 Phippen Museum, Western Art Show & Sale, Phippen Family Award, Best of Show, First Place Sculpture
Memberships
Allied Artists of America, Inc., Elected Member
American Artists Professional League, Fellow
National Sculpture Society, Elected Professional Member
Gallery Representation
Broadmoor Galleries, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Masterpiece Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Mountain Trail Gallery, Sedona, Arizona