She Calls Them "The Girls."
There are artists and then there are artists who name every single one of their subjects, write them a bio, and build an entire world around them. Valerie Miller of Steel Cow is the second kind and we could not be happier to have her back on our walls.
After nearly a decade away from Sticks and Steel, "The Girls" are back home. And if you've never been introduced, consider this your formal welcome to one of the most charming, personality-packed collections of art we have ever carried.
The Woman Behind the Work
Valerie Miller is an Iowa-based artist who has built something genuinely rare — a female-owned creative business that supports her family entirely through her art. That is not a small thing. In a world where artists are constantly told to keep their day jobs, Valerie went all in on "The Girls and Friends" and built something that has found its way into gift shops, galleries, and living rooms across the country.
Her work is made in Iowa. Originally painted by Valerie and printed in their family's studio. The work is reproduced with the kind of care that you can feel when you look at it up close.
What makes Steel Cow so special isn't just the quality of the canvas prints or the bold, colorful style — it's that every single animal has a name. A face. A story. There are over 100 of them now, each one painted by Valerie herself, each one with their own distinct personality. You don't just buy a piece of art. You choose a girl (or guy in some cases!)
And like all the best things in life, the story hasn't always been easy. A few years ago a fire at Steel Cow caused significant damage — but Valerie rebuilt, came back, and kept painting. That kind of resilience has a way of making the work mean even more.
Meet a Few of the Girls
We're carrying a wonderful selection of the Steel Cow collection at Sticks and Steel right now. Here are a few of our favorites:
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Maddie — Dark, dramatic, and absolutely stunning against a warm background. If you want a statement piece, Maddie is your girl. |
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Tippie — One of the original girls and a fan favorite for a reason. I'm Tippie...I love football games and tailgating...I watch lots of sappy chick flicks. |
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Jackie — Yeehaw, I'm Jackie...I love the smell of the mountains in the summer. I dream of open spaces and love the west. |
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Zoey — Hello, my name is Zoey...I love farmers markets and fresh vegetables. I usually wear funky eyeglasses. |
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Virginia — Hi there...My name is Virginia. I love eating... and really milking my free days drinking wine while reading the classics under a big oak tree. |
And a Nod to the Midwest
Because we are a South Dakota store and we know our people — we're also carrying a few of Valerie's pieces that seem to have been created just for us!
Ellison the Pheasant — The South Dakota state bird, painted with the same love and detail Valerie gives every one of her subjects. A natural fit for anyone who calls the Midwest home.
"Hi, my name is Ellison. I am smiley and usually in a good mood. I love hanging out with my family, blankets and going for walks. My best friend is a fox......ok, I'm kidding!"
Bill the Bison — Bold, majestic, and completely at home on a Dakota wall. If you've ever driven across this state and felt something watching a bison herd in the distance, these prints will give you that feeling every single morning.
"Hi, my name is Bill. I like coffee and pastries. I love the freedom to roam."
Fair warning, once you meet the girls, it's very hard to choose just one. Our own Terri didn't waste any time bringing home miss Greta.
Greta — a girl who loves pickles, watermelon, and ugly sweaters and dreams of one day being called Doctor. She now has a permanent spot in Terri's home. And honestly, we completely understand. When you find your girl, you just know.
Come see them in person!
The prints are available in store at Sticks and Steel, 401 E 8th St in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota — and you can also order online by clicking HERE. The sizes ranging from a 6x6 Mini Moo all the way up to a stunning 40x40 canvas.
— The Ladies at Sticks and Steel
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