2011 Prix de West Collectors' Bolo: In the Snaffle by Harold Holden

Harold T. Holden, or "H" as he is known to many, has used his sculpting talents to design the 2011 Collector's Bolo. A Prix de West artist for many years, Holden crafted a bolo of his favorite subject - a horse. The bolo, In The Snaffle, shows the bit with the mecate (a horschair rope) being used as rins. "I am both honored and fattered to be picked to do the bolo," Holden said. "Hopeful I have created a keepsake that folks will enjoy!" 

The challenge, according to Holden, was designing something fresh that would be a good jewelry design and size for both men and women. A professional member of the National Sculpture Society, Holden was a 2001 recipient of the Oklahoma Governor's Art Award and recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by Oklahoma State University in 2005.

Having worked for nearly four decades, Holden knows a thing or two about capturing the West in both large and small works of art. His work can be found in the Oklahoma State Capitol and on a U.S. postage stamp. His public sculptures have kept him busy the last two decades years as he has completed 20 public works of art in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. Among these public sculptures is the 7-foot likeness of National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum benefactor Edward L. Gaylord that greets Museum visitors. Holden also created the Museum's new Wrangler sculpture for its annual Western Heritage Awards.

"I hope guests will want to wear it after the Prix de West opening as a piece of jewelry and as a reminder of a wonderful art weekend in a world-class Museum," Holden said.