Like many of the characters he portrays in his sculpture, Don Polland is a pioneer. In 1959 he broke with tradition by executing his western sculptures in miniature scale (most of his designs are under 8" high), which made his work much more affordable in bronze, and certainly easier to display in the average home.

In 1973, when Polland joined forces with Chilmark, a new era in art of the American West began, as his work was now produced in fine pewter, as well as bronze. He had truly made his mark, and today has one of the largest collector followings in the art world.