Stories in Bronze and Paint: Star York and Maura Allen

 

Sorrel Sky Gallery is proud to present Stories in Bronze and Paint: Star Liana York and Maura Allen, a dynamic two-artist exhibition celebrating the spirit of the American West through sculpture and paint. The show features the acclaimed works of sculptor Star Liana York and painter Maura Allen, opens with an artist reception on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5 - 7 p.m. and will be on view through July 31, 2025, at the gallery’s Santa Fe location, 125 W. Palace Ave.

York and Allen, both renowned for their ability to distill the essence of Western life, bring a striking juxtaposition of form and shadow, permanence and motion. York’s masterful bronze sculptures capture the strength, grace, and cultural richness of Native and Western traditions. At the same time, Allen’s bold, contemporary compositions evoke the dynamic energy of the frontier through layered paint and light.

A Dialogue Between Sculpture and Paint

With decades of artistic mastery, Star Liana York has become synonymous with sculptural storytelling. Known for her intricate bronzes that pay homage to the people, wildlife, and legends, York’s work invites viewers into narratives deeply rooted in history and reverence. Her sculptures—whether a stoic Native leader, a powerful Mustang, or a moment of quiet reflection—reflect the land’s and its people’s enduring strength. “The West isn’t just a place, it’s a way of life,” says York.
Conversely, Maura Allen harnesses the interplay of light and dark, capturing the West in its most fleeting moments—sunlit dust rising from a rider’s boots, the silhouette of a cowboy at dusk, the bold geometry of barns and rail fences. Drawing inspiration from film and photography, Allen’s signature approach distills these moments into striking, high-contrast, timeless, and contemporary compositions. “I see the world in graphic form,” Allen says.

Where Tradition and Innovation Meet

This unique pairing of sculpture and painting underscores how traditional Western themes continue evolving, both in artistic technique and storytelling. The exhibition offers collectors and art enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the West in multiple dimensions, with each piece reflecting the soul of the land and the people who define it.