“With the lure of “Gold,” many men were enticed by the tales of California’s riches and traveled West leaving their families behind. But thousands of determined women chose to join their husbands, firm in their resolve to keep their families together. From 1840 – 1869, around 350,000 settlers traveled Westward on the Oregon Trail which often took 4 – 6 months to complete. It has been estimated that upward of 65,000 settlers lost their lives due to illness, drowning, child birth and various accidents on this perilous journey. One can only imagine that it was not easy leaving the comforts and security of civilization and extended families behind. Yet the pioneer woman crossed vast prairies, scorching deserts and mountains bringing civilization to the Wild West with them, along with schools, churches, hospitals and libraries. These women were as equal in importance in our nation’s history as the more famed male characters and legends of the American West. Vic Payne pays tribute to the bravery, contributions and sacrifices of the often overlooked, pioneer woman. With his latest studio creation, Vic features a pioneer woman holding a double barrel black powder shotgun in the crook of her left arm looking deep into the “Sounds of the Night.”