Jim Gary's "Twentieth Century Dinosaurs" exhibition opens at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. He is the only sculptor ever invited to present a solo exhibition there.

Jim Gary (1939-2006) was a truly distinctive American sculptor whose innovative approach to art transformed discarded materials into captivating creations. Widely celebrated for his impressive, vibrantly colored dinosaur sculptures fashioned entirely from repurposed automobile parts, Gary breathed new life into what others considered scrap. These colossal figures were typically brought to life with the vivid hues of automotive paint, echoing their origins, though some were deliberately left outdoors to acquire a beautiful, natural patina, allowing time and elements to become part of their aesthetic.

Beyond his instantly recognizable dinosaurs, Gary’s artistic range was remarkably diverse, earning him international acclaim across various genres. His portfolio included exquisite fine art, thoughtful architectural and landscape pieces, whimsical monumental installations, and abstract works. A hallmark of his sculpture, particularly his life figures, was the intricate incorporation of stained glass, adding a luminous quality and sophisticated detail. Furthermore, his works frequently integrated or were entirely composed of various hardware, machine parts, and tools, showcasing a profound connection to industrial elements. Painted steel, valued for its durability and versatility, was his preferred metal, forming the structural and aesthetic backbone of many of his pieces.

A Legacy of Innovation and Recognition

One of Jim Gary's early and pivotal works, "Universal Woman," a life-sized figure meticulously assembled from an array of hardware components, garnered significant attention. This piece captured the admiration of the renowned modernist sculptor Jacques Lipchitz during a sidewalk exhibition in New York in the early 1960s, a testament to Gary’s unique vision and skill. Decades later, following Gary's passing, The Washington Post featured a close-up image of "Universal Woman" in its 2006 electronic tribute, underscoring its enduring significance. His standing in the art world was further solidified by a 1971 museum exhibition of his fine art in Washington, D.C., which earned him a listing in Who Was Who in American Art, 1564-1975: 400 Years of Artists in America, a widely respected reference for art historians and researchers. By 2011, the Asbury Park Press fittingly recognized Gary as an "icon in the arts," cementing his place in contemporary art history.

Born in Sebastian, Florida, Jim Gary spent most of his life in Colts Neck, New Jersey, from early infancy, considering it his true home. At the time of his death, he resided in nearby Farmingdale. A pinnacle of his career was achieved on April 12, 1990, when he became the only sculptor ever to be invited to present a solo exhibition at the prestigious Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. This was a truly remarkable feat for an artist whose primary medium was salvaged industrial materials, showcased within an institution dedicated to scientific exploration and natural history. Time magazine, in January 2006, perfectly captured the essence of this achievement, noting that Gary's work "delighted kids as well as curators," highlighting the universal appeal that transcended conventional art audiences.

His passing in January 2006 prompted an outpouring of tributes and news coverage worldwide, reflecting his international popularity. ABC News featured a video tribute on "This Week with George Stefanopoulos" just days after his death. The Los Angeles Times, in an article titled "Jim Gary, 66; Artist Who Created Playful Dinosaur Skeletons From Car Parts," reported a fascinating critical comparison between Gary’s sculptures and Pablo Picasso's famous "Bull's Head," which famously utilized a bicycle seat and handlebars—drawing a parallel between two modernists who masterfully transformed everyday objects into profound art. The New York Times dedicated a substantial portion of a page to his obituary, recognizing his newsworthiness, and the globally distributed International Herald Tribune carried his obituary, "Jim Gary, Sculptor in Metal," in its arts and leisure section the very next day, emphasizing his significant impact on the international art scene.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: A Grand Stage

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, located majestically on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is not merely a museum but a global hub of scientific research and public engagement. Administered by the esteemed Smithsonian, this colossal institution offers free admission and welcomes visitors 364 days a year, making it accessible to millions. In 2016 alone, it welcomed 7.1 million visitors, ranking as the eleventh most visited museum globally and, notably, the most visited natural history museum in the world. Opened in 1910, its grand building on the National Mall was among the first Smithsonian structures purpose-built to house vast national collections and cutting-edge research facilities. The main building spans an impressive 1.5 million square feet (140,000 m²) with 325,000 square feet (30,200 m²) dedicated to vibrant exhibitions and public spaces, supported by a staff of over 1,000 employees.

At the heart of the museum's mission are its unparalleled collections, which comprise more than 145 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and diverse human cultural artifacts—collectively forming the largest natural history collection anywhere on Earth. This treasure trove is meticulously studied by approximately 185 professional natural history scientists, representing the largest concentration of experts dedicated to the study of natural and cultural history in the world. It was against this backdrop of immense scientific and cultural significance that Jim Gary’s artistic vision found a unique and celebrated home, underscoring the groundbreaking nature of his solo exhibition.


Frequently Asked Questions About Jim Gary

What was Jim Gary most famous for?
Jim Gary was most famously known for his large, colorful sculptures of dinosaurs crafted entirely from discarded automobile parts, which he then finished with vibrant automotive paint.
What other types of art did Jim Gary create?
Beyond his iconic dinosaurs, Gary was recognized for a wide range of works including fine art, architectural pieces, landscape art, whimsical monumental sculptures, and abstracts. He also created life figures that often incorporated intricate stained glass.
What materials did Jim Gary use in his sculptures?
His primary materials included discarded automobile parts, but he also frequently used hardware, machine parts, tools, and intricate stained glass. Painted steel was his metal of choice for many creations.
What is "Universal Woman"?
"Universal Woman" is one of Jim Gary's signature early works, a life-sized sculpture of a woman composed entirely of various hardware components. It gained notable admiration from sculptor Jacques Lipchitz in the 1960s.
Did Jim Gary have a major museum exhibition?
Yes, Jim Gary was the only sculptor ever invited to present a solo exhibition at the prestigious Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., which opened on April 12, 1990.
Where was Jim Gary from?
Jim Gary was born in Sebastian, Florida, but considered Colts Neck, New Jersey, his hometown, having lived there from early infancy. He resided in nearby Farmingdale at the time of his death.
How was Jim Gary critically recognized?
Critics sometimes compared his sculptures to Pablo Picasso's "Bull's Head," appreciating his ability to transform everyday objects into art. His extensive obituaries in major publications like The New York Times and International Herald Tribune, along with being called an "icon in the arts," underscore his significant critical recognition and widespread acclaim.
Why was his Smithsonian exhibition particularly notable?
His solo exhibition at the National Museum of Natural History was unique because it showcased an artist primarily working with repurposed industrial materials within a leading institution dedicated to natural science and history, blurring the lines between art, ecology, and science, and appealing to a broad audience of all ages.