“Norma’s Calf” is a part of the Capitol Avenue Bronze public art collection . . donated to the City of Cheyenne by private individuals, organizations or companies. For more information about the Capitol Avenue Bronze Project, visit Deselms Fine Art at https://deselmsfineart.com

When he was 15 years old, and entering ninth grade in his hometown of Cheyenne, Wyo., Rich Haines ran head-on into disappointment. He went to sign up for the one elective he was looking forward to — and gym class was full. A friend of his sister's had a suggestion for a substitute. “If you want an easy A," she said, "take sculpture." He did and is now counted among the top sculptors in the country, specializing in wildlife and Western themes. And maybe his most well-known sculpture is the 10-foot-by-12-foot ram in front of Moby Arena on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

Rare is the CSU student who doesn't stand in front of the ram in cap and gown on graduation day to have his or her picture taken. For CSU to let a UW grad sculpt its ram, that's saying something.

When Rich was in high school he worked for Harvey Deselms at his gallery. In either 1994 or 1995, he went to the Deselms’ ranch to photograph calves. Harvey’s mother, Norma, took him out to the pasture, and the last calf photographed was a “bucket calf,” which Harvey’s mom said was her favorite. Rich thus named his sculpture “Norma’s Calf.” The Deselms family thought it was appropriate way to honor their parents, Kenneth and Norma, by placing “Norma’s Calf” downtown. It pays respect to their agricultural background, as well as the care and love their parents gave them as young “calves”.

To learn more about the Capitol Avenue Bronze Project, visit this link . For more information about each artist, sponsoring a bronze, or becoming a donor/supporter at any level, please contact Harvey Deselms at Deselms Fine Art, located at 303 E. 17th Street Cheyenne. Email is [email protected] or call at 307 432 0606