Jerry Potts, Metis Scout (1840-1896)

Like the artist, Jerry Potts was Métis, respected by the Blackfoot as a hunter and warrior. As a guide, scout and skilled multilingual interpreter, he was invaluable to the Mounted Police, playing a key role in their mission to end the whiskey trade. Potts is recognizable with his characteristic moustache, Stetson hat, fringed buckskin clothing and tall moccasins. His legendary skill, renown and success gave him much confidence, as conveyed by this relaxed conversational pose. Created by prominent Métis artist David Garneau, a well-known contemporary artist, curator, writer, and professor, this ceramic sculpture is part of a series of five figures representing Alberta's past. In 1984 when he was commissioned to create sculptures of historic Calgarians to commemorate Calgary's 100th birthday, he was a 22 year-old student. At the time he was greatly influenced by the small-scale character studies in ceramic by Saskatchewan artist Joe Fafard.

Like the artist, Jerry Potts was Métis, respected by the Blackfoot as a hunter and warrior. As a guide, scout and skilled multilingual interpreter, he was invaluable to the Mounted Police, playing a key role in their mission to end the whiskey trade. Potts is recognizable with his characteristic moustache, Stetson hat, fringed buckskin clothing and tall moccasins. His legendary skill, renown and success gave him much confidence, as conveyed by this relaxed conversational pose. Created by prominent Métis artist David Garneau, a well-known contemporary artist, curator, writer, and professor, this ceramic sculpture is part of a series of five figures representing Alberta's past. In 1984 when he was commissioned to create sculptures of historic Calgarians to commemorate Calgary's 100th birthday, he was a 22 year-old student. At the time he was greatly influenced by the small-scale character studies in ceramic by Saskatchewan artist Joe Fafard.