Great Stagecoach Statue

Artist: Laran Gighlieri

Commissioned by: Great Plains Claims

Location: Great Plains Claims

About the artist: Laran Ghilgieri mastered his craft the old-fashioned way: through apprenticeship. His great­grandfather, Battista Ghiglieri, carved the stately marble lions of the New York Stock Exchange and fostered three more generations of master sculptors in his family: Laran's grandfather, Angelo, is best known for his massive marble of a Franciscan priest in Bakersfield, CA, and Laran's prolific father, Lorenzo, gifted Pope John Paul 11, Mikhail Gorbachev and the King of Spain with bronzes of St. Francis of Assisi, in the spirit of peace. Laran Ghiglieri studied under his father for more than 20 years. Together, they explored the richness of the world, from the Vatican to Indian reservations. 
'To travel around and experience this exposure to international museums and the arts was (something) really valuable I couldn't get from a school," he says. 

His internal drive led him to generate - alone and in collaboration with his father - hundreds of bronzes and paintings by age 20, including eagles spanning 30 feet and elephants reaching heights of 18 feet. 

Companies contracted him early on to produce pieces for charity auctions, where he showcased wildlife, Western themes and athletes - particularly golfers and tennis players - in dynamic expressions.