Dan Garrett
For as long as he could remember, Dan Garret aspired to a career in art. A singular event put him completely on-course with this objective - when his parents took over a greeting card company during Garret’s mid-teens. Traveling with his father around the countryside visiting artists in their studios and looking at their works, Garret got to know legends of the art world such as George Phippen and John Clymer, and especially Bob Lougheed, who contributed significantly to Garret’s awareness that one could make a living doing what one loved.
Because Garret’s parents had such a strong interest in art, he enjoyed the stimulation of being exposed to it all his life. The academic experience of college wasn’t all too satisfying for Garret, however, because his was interested in realism and the West, while the department was modern in its approach. But Garret felt he could learn the most by doing, and that’s just what he did. With the support of his wife, Edith, who gave encouragement throughout the “lean” years, and with the mentoring of Cheyenne artist Lyle Tayson, Garret gained in proficiency as a painter.
Somehow, though, painting just didn’t suit Garret’s personality. In 1985 he took the plunge and began sculpting. Again, perfect timing was with Garret when he took a sculpting class from Edward Fraughton. It was then that any idea of quitting the art business left him forever. Now, Garret is able to infuse his sculpture with the archaeology and prehistory he loves as he and Edith spend typical summers traveling and conducting the considerable scholarship his historically accurate subjects require. Hard work and determination - as well as luck - have enabled Garret to realize his dreams.