By Western Hands is Offering Summer Workshops at Their On-Site Design Center
Preserving western design and craftsmanship is the mission of this non-profit.
Photo Courtesy of By Western Hands
“Western Functional Art is, at its core, the most tangible way to connect with the pioneering spirit of the West that lies in us all. It represents a sense of adventure, a reverence for the past, and pride in craftsmanship—all qualities we should strive to carry on for generations.” – Casey Lasky, Interior Designer – Wyatt & Associates
By Western Hands (BWH) in Cody, Wyoming is focused on their mission to preserve western art through three main elements—a museum and archive, educational training programs, and a legacy artisan gallery. Their efforts help ensure that budding western artisans can learn from skilled, Master Craftsmen by experimenting with new techniques practiced by some of the most respected western artisans working in America today.
Photo Courtesy of By Western Hands
Western style is recognized as definitively identifiable functional art without specific historic or cultural reference. The use of materials including leather, wood, bone, antler, metal, beaded material, and cloth often determine the “aesthetic signature” of the craftsperson that made it. BWH educational programs help artisans demonstrate and teach approach and method unique to the creation of western design to the future generation of western artists.
This summer, BWH is offering a schedule of weekly workshops and demonstrations to the public, providing the perfect opportunity for participants to try their hand at creating their own brand of jewelry, beadwork, and other functional art for use in the home. The BWH Grainger Demonstration Center, the onsite workshop and demonstration space, will open its doors to registered guests on Fridays and Saturdays from July through September. Visitors can select one class, or several, and learn how-to techniques from eight featured Master Artisans-in-residence. Class sizes are limited to give each registrant a complete and thoughtful educational experience, so early registration is recommended.
Design by Chris Chapman | Photo by David Marlow
Winchell Living Room | Photo Courtesy of By Western Hands
A few examples of available workshops include making a copper cuff and matching leaf necklace with Ben Caldwell. Native American bead worker, Supaya Gray Wolfe, will teach participants how to make a horse, honoring an animal close to the heart. A chance to learn how to create a copper Ginkgo spoon or Ginkgo Flat server with antler handles is another workshop available to registrants.
To view the workshop calendar, or to purchase tickets, please visit the BWH website.
