It was a busy fall at the Sigler Western Museum. Not only did the art destination celebrate a record-breaking $20 million donation and then a name change, the museum once known as the Desert Caballeros Western Museum also saw a major acquisition from a prominent Arizona artist.
In October 2025, the museum acquired a cast of John Coleman’s Victory! Plenty Coups, a 10-foot-tall monument depicting Plenty Coups, the Crow chief and warrior. The 1,000-pound work, which won the top sculpture award at the 2025 Prix de West,was installed October 24 at the museum in Wickenburg, Arizona.
John Coleman with Victory! Plenty Coups in his studio in Prescott, Arizona.
“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 says. “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’s curator was thrilled with the acquisition. “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,” says Tricia Loscher, chief curator and the Dita and John Daub Curator of Western Women’s Art at the Sigler 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.”
The monument’s purchase was made possible through the generosity and friendship of Sue and John Coleman; Frankie and Howard Alper; and the Sigler Western Museum Art Acquisition Fund. It is now on view. —
Powered by Froala Editor
