Susan Norris is a well-known artist and sculptor whose works are in public and private collections in the United States and other countries.  She lives and has her studio in historic Cimarron, New Mexico.

Entirely self-taught, Norris expresses a wide range of styles, technique and subject matter.  She is as adept at painting people, events and animals as she is crafting life-size classical bronze sculptures of famous people.  From 2015 until 2024, Susan was the National Artist  for the Boy Scouts of America, a successor to the famous Norman Rockwell, and also the first and only woman to achieve that title.

She delights in creating paintings of domestic animals and wildlife, realistic bronzes and unusual whimsical sculptures of animals which are popular with her many collectors.

Her Sculptures

Her noted commissioned sculptures include a monumental full figure bronze of Dr. Charles Alexander Eastman, first Native American certified in Western medicine, national lecturer and reformer;  Ernest Thompson Seton, the first Chief Executive Scout of the Boy Scouts of America, a Scout from 1916 and Lobo, “the wolf that changed America;” prestigious awards for the Boy Scouts of America, such as the Silver Buffalo, Silver Antelope and Silver Beaver;  Lacertus, the bear mascot of Baylor University;  and canary in a 16 ft. tall cage to honor old-time miners, located in Trinidad, Colorado.

Also a life-size bronze of a military service dog mourning the loss of his soldier who perished in combat, currently installed in five veteran parks across the United States; and a life-size bronze sculpture of the dog Benji, star of the original 1974 movie Benji and star of several TV sitcoms, including Petticoat Junction and The Beverly Hillbillies.

Currently, she is working on a private life-size sculpture commission of a Malamute with two grandchildren that have grown up with the dog.

Her Paintings

Her recent commissions include commemorating the most decorated in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division, James "Maggie" Megellas, portrayed leading his men in a daring assault during World War II's Operation Market Garden; a large oil painting of a helicopter rescue in the Vietnam War, commissioned by and displayed in the National Vietnam War Museum;  paintings of the Cross at Ground Zero, commemorating the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, and of an old wagon train for the 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail.

She has done well over 100 paintings over the years for clients of their beloved animals and favorite nature scenes, and also has illustrated children's books.

Her Community Service

Norris has a passion for veterans’ causes, and supports veterans’ organizations.  She served on the Board of Directors of the Tribute to Valor Foundation, where Medal of Honor recipients help students embrace courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity and commitment.

She has been an honored guest at The Center for American Values, founded by Medal of Honor recipient Drew Dix, and at the Heroes Honor Festival at Florida's Daytona Speedway attended by 27,000.

Susan has donated her paintings and sculptures to such organizations as the Military Warriors Support Foundation, and local veterans fund raisers.