BREATHING LIFE INTO A WESTERN RELIC

In the heart of the American West, nestled in the rugged town of Meeteetse, Wyoming, stands a place steeped in frontier history—the Meeteetse Mercantile. Weathered by time but bursting with character, this Old West structure had long caught the eye of Western bronze sculptor Vic Payne as he passed through town. With its high ceilings, storied past, and undeniable charm, ‘The Merc’ seemed to whisper tales of a bygone era, calling out for someone to restore its voice.

Vic and his wife, Angie, saw the potential—not just in its walls, but in what the space could become. What started as admiration for a neglected treasure soon turned into a mission: preserving history, honoring the pioneers who built this town, and creating an artistic haven that celebrates the West.

Seven years later, that vision has materialized into the Vic Payne Studio & Gallery, housed within The Merc, where the sculptor continues his mission of honoring the West’s past while creating small to mid-size to monumental works that tell its story through bronze. Visitors can witness Western storytelling through both Vic’s sculptures and works of art by nationally recognized artists. As a dedicated bronze sculptor, Vic shapes clay into powerful bronze sculptures representing his Western heritage, ensuring that Meeteetse remains an enduring gem in the Western art world.

For Vic, the West is more than inspiration—it is his lifeblood. Though Meeteetse may seem an unlikely place for an art gallery, he insists that it’s part of the magic. “Angie and I invest in the West because we love what we do,” Vic shares. “This isn’t just about art—it’s about honoring a history that should never be forgotten.”

And that history isn’t just a backdrop—it’s embedded in every sculpture, every brushstroke, and every visitor who walks through the doors of Vic Payne Studio & Gallery.