Elmer Alvarez (American, active late 20th century)
Coyote and Roadrunner, 1988

Hand-carved and painted wood sculpture
Signed and dated by the artist
Offered is a large, signed folk art sculpture by Elmer Alvarez, titled Coyote and Roadrunner and dated 1988. Executed in hand-carved wood with painted surfaces, this work exemplifies late-20th-century Southwest folk art through narrative form, expressive character, and confident craftsmanship. The sculpture presents the iconic pairing of coyote and roadrunner—imagery deeply rooted in Southwestern storytelling—rendered at an impressive scale with strong vertical presence and lively, animated detail.
Alvarez captures a sense of motion and story through stylized anatomy, expressive posture, and carefully balanced proportions. Tool marks, hand-applied paint, and subtle irregularities are intentionally preserved, reflecting the artist’s direct engagement with material and form. The result is best understood as fine folk art, rather than decorative craft.
The sculpture is signed and dated “Elmer Alvarez ’88” by the artist. It retains a gallery provenance label identifying the work as Coyote and Roadrunner, with attribution and donation history connected to Elaine Horwitch Gallery, Santa Fe, a respected gallery known for supporting contemporary Southwestern and folk artists. This provenance firmly situates the piece within the late-20th-century New Mexico / Southwest art context.

Details
Artist: Elmer Alvarez
Title: Coyote and Roadrunner
Year: 1988
Medium: Hand-carved wood with painted surface
Signature: Signed and dated by the artist
Height: approx. 31.5 inches
Base width: approx. 16 inches
Weight: approx. 10 lbs

Condition
Very good original condition. The sculpture shows light surface wear and minor paint variation consistent with age and handmade construction. No structural breaks or restorations observed. All wear is consistent with authentic folk art of the period and contributes to the work’s character and integrity.
Provenance
Elaine Horwitch Gallery, Santa Fe (gallery label present)

Collector Notes
Signed works by Elmer Alvarez of this scale and narrative complexity are uncommon on the open market. Late-1980s examples with documented gallery provenance are increasingly sought after by collectors of Southwestern folk art, New Mexico contemporary regional art, and narrative animal sculpture. The size, subject matter, and condition make this a standout collector-level piece.

Shipping & Pickup
Due to the sculptural scale of this work (31.5” tall), shipping is calculated based on buyer location. Actual weight is approximately 10 lbs. The sculpture will be carefully and professionally packed for safe transit. Local pickup is welcome.