Dan Ostermiller

American, 1956-Present

Dan Ostermiller is an American sculptor and painter celebrated for his powerful bronze depictions of animals. Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and the son of a professional taxidermist, he developed an early understanding of anatomy and form under his father's guidance. This intimate, hands-on exposure to animal structure and behavior gave his work a unique credibility. His foundational exposure to wildlife fueled a career that began in the late 1970s and quickly established him as a modernist voice in wildlife sculpture.

Ostermiller’s work spans small-scale bronzes to monumental public commissions, marked by a balance of anatomy, posture, and textured surface. While grounded in realism, his sculptures often contain a humorous quality, revealing the individuality and spirit of each animal. His subjects, bears, foxes, birds, and domestic animals, reflect both natural observation and personal interpretation, often informed by his Western upbringing and lifelong relationship with the outdoors.

He is a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society and the Society of Animal Artists, and served as president of the NSS from 2003 to 2006. He has also contributed to public art programs across the country, with large-scale works installed in civic plazas and museum grounds. His work has been exhibited nationwide and is held in major collections including the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Western Heritage Museum, and the Wyoming State Capitol.