Shannon Stirnweis (B. 1931) "Bison" Signed lower left. Original Oil on Illustration Board painting. Original Fleetwood First Day cover painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card of the 22c Bison issued on June 13, 1987. Sporting a long, wooly mane, the Bison - the heaviest land animal in North America - can weigh a ton or even more. Long before the pioneers came, great Bison herds thundered across the plains shaking the earth beneath their feet. Thus were born many Indian legends about the mystical, powerful Bison. When White settlers came, they called them "buffalo," though this name was incorrect. Buffalo Bill and the "home where the buffalo roam," took their cues from this dark brown creature. Even today, he is sometimes called the American Buffalo, despite the characteristic shoulder hump that separates him from the true buffaloes of Asia and Africa. Today, Bison herds can be found in the parks and wildlife preserves of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. In winter, they stand out boldly against the white of snow; dark, shaggy manes about their heads, necks, and shoulders. When the weather warms, Bison shed their heavy overcoats and plunge into rivers and streams to cool their massive bodies. Image Size: 13.5 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 22.25 in. Unframed. (B11086)