WICKENBURG, ARIZ.- The Desert Caballeros Western Museum has acquired the award-winning John Coleman monumental sculpture, titled “Victory! Plenty Coups,” and will install it on October 24 in front of the museum entrance, establishing a prominent position in the heart of downtown Wickenburg.

The 10-foot-tall, 1,050-pound sculpture depicts the Crow Nation Chief Plenty Coups and was a highlight of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale, where it won the 2025 James Earle Fraser Sculpture Award.

Coleman, who lives in Prescott, has been sculpting full time since 1994 and was voted into the professional membership of The National Sculpture Society of New York in 1999. He is now an emeritus member of the Cowboy Artists of America.

“This sculpture portrays Chief Plenty Coups mounted on his war horse, raising his coup stick as a symbol of victory, cultural pride and unity. His commanding presence embodies strength and resilience, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations,” Coleman said. “He was considered by some to be one of the most important chiefs of all time. I have depicted him as a young man returning from battle. Horse sliding as he pivots on the edge of a hill, he signals to his people with raised coup stick signaling victory.”

The museum will soon install the art near its entrance on Wickenburg Way and Tegner Street. Installation with a forklift is planned for approximately 10:30 a.m. on October 24.

“’Victory! Plenty Coups’ is a spectacular work of art. John Coleman is known for transforming Western American Indian figures into amazing sculptures. This bronze absolutely lives up those ideals,” said Dr. Tricia Loscher, chief curator and the Dita and John Daub Curator of Western Women’s Art at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. “’Victory! Plenty Coups’ will greet guests as they enter our museum and prepare them for a journey to experience the diverse stories, cultures and experiences of the West.”

“Victory! Plenty Coups” will be part of the Desert Caballeros Western Museum’s permanent collection. The museum acquired the piece through a collaboration: a generous donation from Frankie and Howie Alper, long-time friends of Desert Caballeros Western Museum and patrons of John Coleman; as well as a generous contribution from John and Sue Coleman, and funding from the museum.

“We are delighted to add such a magnificent monumental bronze to Desert Caballeros’ already world-class collection. John Coleman’s artistry has always fascinated us, which is why we have become Coleman’s #1 collector since 1994 with 135 #1 castings in our collection!” said Howie Alper. “This is the #1 cast in this edition. My wife and I have always purchased John’s first casting, agreed over a 1994 handshake. We have formed a treasured, lifelong friendship.”

“Victory! Plenty Coups” was cast at Metalphysic Sculpture Studio Inc. foundry in Tucson and finishing was done by The Bronze Age in Prescott.