An extraordinary new bronze statue depicting Sharlot M. Hall, one of Arizona’s most revered pioneers, will soon grace the beautiful rose garden at the Sharlot Hall Museum. Created by award-winning Prescott-based sculptor Heather Johnson Beary, the nearly seven-foot-tall statue is slated for installation this fall and will celebrate Hall’s enduring legacy as a poet, storyteller, and historian.

Beary was selected by George Fuller, a former board member of the museum and long-time supporter, who commissioned the sculpture. Fuller’s generous donation to fund the creation of the statue was described by the museum’s Executive Director, Stuart Rosebrook, as a historic gift.

“We are beyond grateful to be receiving this remarkable gift to the museum,” said Rosebrook. “It will be only the second statue of this style in the area depicting a person from our recent past, other than the Ernest A. Love statue at the Prescott Regional Airport. This is a historic moment for our area and, of course, for the museum. We are so grateful to George for this marvelous gift.”

The statue portrays Hall around 1940, standing confidently in a split skirt, binoculars in hand, and her poetry book held close to her chest. At her feet, elements of the high desert come to life with a cactus, pine, and horned toad, paying homage to her poetry and to Arizona’s rich natural heritage. With a caring expression and a knowing smile, the sculpture captures Hall’s pioneering spirit and her lasting impact on the state.

“I have wanted to create a Sharlot statue for about 25 years, and to now have the opportunity is amazing,” said Beary. “She is such a role model to so many people, especially to me, with her incredible pioneering spirit and the fact that she always spoke her mind.”

Known for her extraordinary talent and meticulous detail, Beary has created monumental bronze sculptures showcased around the world, from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Zion National Park, and in the collections of Richard Branson. Her passion for the Southwest—its landscapes, history, and stories—deeply informs her work, making her an ideal artist to honor Sharlot M. Hall’s enduring legacy.