Following his mission, Price studied in Jerusalem for six months through Brigham Young University’s Study Abroad program He then studied at the Utah Technical College in Orem, Utah (now Utah Valley University), where he met and studied with sculptor Stan Johnson. He studied under Alvin Gittins as well as Stan Johnson.
Price went to both grade school and high school in Montpelier, Idaho. After graduating from Montpelier High School, he went on to study at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. After leaving Utah Valley University, Price enrolled at the University of Utah to study painting, drawing, and anatomy.
In 1982, he earned his B.F.A in painting and drawing.
During his high-school years, Price painted and sold his landscape paintings. Later on, he worked as a ranch hand, a farmer, a jewelry salesperson and manager, and worked in Stan Johnson’s studio and foundry in Mapleton, Utah.
Price gained many skills through his work including mold making, wax and slurry casting, and welding. These skills would later become very important in influencing the direction of his art
Some of his earliest subjects include Southwestern and wildlife themes, such as Buffalo Nickel and Return of Fury.
His first recognition came with the Death Valley Art Show, followed by recognition for his sculpture They Rise Highest Who Lift As They Go. Aside from his sculpture images appearing on the covers of a few various magazines and books, the December 2003 issue of Utah Valley Magazine featured a cover story on Gary and his career entitled, "The Spirit of Giving." In 2005, it was announced that he had been selected to create the 300-foot Statue of Responsibility on the west coast of the United States.
In 1991, Gary Lee Price was elected a member of the National Sculpture Society.
