An interpreter of Native American culture, especially male Indians in historical native dress, Dave McGary is a sculptor whose studio from 1981 has been in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He employs about thirty artisans to complete the finishing work on his pieces that are cast at a variety of foundries.

His work is highly detailed, sometimes with several-hundred pieces welded together, and combines paints with patinas. He begins by making a wire skeleton and builds from the muscles to the skin to the clothing.

He grew up on the family ranch at Cody, Wyoming, and in junior high began casting jewelry. As a teenager, he met his mentor, western sculptor Harry Jackson, who was then living in Caspar, Wyoming. McGary earned a grant to study ...