"On the Rio Grande," Walter Ufer, 1927.

German-born Ufer (1876-1936) was a founding member of what became known as the Taos Society of Artists, an artist's collective that disbanded the year of this painting. They were noted for promoting the work of Taos artists and calling attention to the issues of the area.

An ardent socialist and humanist, Ufer used his art to illustrate the problems faced by Pueblo Indians. Many of these featured his favorite model, seen here, a Pueblo Indian named Jim Mirabal.

Ufer also was an organizer of local aid during the Spanish flu pandemic, raised money for striking miners, and assisted other causes. When he died of appendicitis, his widow spread his ashes in his beloved Taos.

From the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

#Art #AmericanArt #WalterUfer #TaosSociety #AmericanSouthwest

"Black Bears," William Herbert "Buck" Dunton, c. 1927.

Dunton was a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists, becoming famous for his depictions of cowboys and the American Southwest, but also for his fascination with black bears. This is a great example of both Dunton's work and the Taos Society style.

From the Denver Museum of Art, Colorado.

#Art #TaosSociety #BuckDunton #Bears #NoNotTHATKindOfBear #GetYourMindOutOfTheGutter