Marrita McMillian is a bronze sculptor with a raw talent for capturing the essence of today’s horses and riders. Having trained and shown horses professionally for over 25 years, she has an accurate appreciation for her subjects. Sculpting Quarter Horses is Marrita's specialty. Her successful training in the Quarter Horse industry contributes to the realism and dramatic animation of each piece of art. “There is no substitute for using a live model”, according to McMillian.

Marrita’s art career began in 1992 when she and a friend visited several galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She realized that the works she was admiring were great, but did not reflect what she saw in modern-day Quarter Horses or showmen (cowboys). Upon returning home she vowed to create a sculpture that would represent and immortalize the modern day Quarter Horse, and her sculpting career was in full swing. She began working in clay and soon had her first piece cast in bronze, which has now sold out along with several other edition pieces. She does many “commission” pieces each year along with the edition sculptures. She also enjoys helping other aspiring sculptors to get started.

The public is becoming familiar with many of her works which are on display at a select few galleries and museums across the country including The American Quarter Horse Association Heritage Center and the American Paint Horse Foundation.

She displays her art at a few prominent annual equine events such as the Quarter Horse Congress and AQHA World Show. Stop by her booth. She loves to visit with fellow enthusiasts.

At left are two good friends of Marrita's, Carol Harris and Rugged Lark. Upon "Lark's" death in 2004, Carol commissioned this piece with plans for it to stand over his final resting place. Click Here for more information about Lark and the dedication of this piece.

Marrita said of Lark, "He was such a beautiful horse and I’ve know him and watched him perform since he was a 3 year old showing at the Congress. He was so intelligent and had a wonderful person like disposition."

Here is an additional commission that includes both Carol and Rugged Lark which commemorates their representation of the American Quarter Horse Association.

Marrita McMillian's passion for the American Quarter Horse dates back many years. However, anyone who knows Marrita knows that she loves her Chinese Crested Dogs as well. Though she loves their company, Marrita is not just an enthusiast when it comes to Chinese Cresteds. She breeds and successfully shows them for herself and her clientel. Click Here to learn more about Marrita's Chinese Crested Dogs.

Staying involved in both the dog and horse industries allows Marrita to travel all over the world. Her art career requires extensive travel as well. TheTravelArtist.com began as a means for Marrita to save a little when making travel arrangements. Now, her entrepreneurial spirit has made it possible for you to save, too. Check out her site to save on travel or to get advice regarding your next destination.

Interesting Links: