October 9, 2024
The University of Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery is honored to present “Our Working Hands”, a group show highlighting traditional western craftsmanship from Southwestern Montana. Featured artisans include Ross Miller, Freckers Saddlery, Schwarz Custom Boots, Justin Thorson, Terri Courtney, Mark Raffety, Loncey and Jessie Jo Johnson, Tony Pinheiro, and George Holt. The gallery will host an opening reception and artist talk on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Gallery, located in Main Hall.
Traditional cowboy culture is alive and well in southwest Montana. These valleys are filled with working ranches and landscapes that have remained the same since being settled. This is a way of life for many here, creating a need for tools and tack used in cowboying and ranching. The craft behind building tools of this trade is an art rife with talented individuals quietly carving out a name for themselves within the tradition of cowboy culture in the American West. These objects, while utilitarian, result from choices made for function and artistic beauty.
Terri Courtney
Terri Courtney’s lifelong passion for Western design, combined with her sewing and sculpting skills, resulted in the creation of Courtney Custom Boots. Her work is a testament to the fusion of function and artistry in Western footwear.
Justin Thorson
Justin Thorson has been crafting saddles since 2000. Over the years, he has created saddles for working cowboys, weekend warriors, and world champions, consistently delivering quality that meets the demands of each unique rider.
Freckers Saddlery
Freckers Saddlery was founded by Kent Frecker (now passed) in 1981 and is now managed by his son and apprentice, Karsten Frecker. This family business has made saddles for both ranches and high-profile clients around the world, maintaining a legacy of excellence in saddle making.
George Holt
George Holt, who has been making saddles since 1968, is recognized by the Montana Arts Council as part of the Circle of American Masters. He was also awarded Saddle Maker of the Year at the Academy of Western Artists 12th Annual Will Rogers Awards, in recognition of his role in preserving the traditions and heritage of the American cowboy.
Schwarz Custom Boots
Schwarz Custom Boots, run by husband-and-wife artisans Dan and Julia Schwarz, has been producing extraordinary boots and teaching the art of bootmaking since the early 2000s. Their craftsmanship continues to set a high standard in the industry.
Loncey and Jessie Jo Johnson
Loncey Johnson brings his lifelong experience of ranching and working cattle on horseback to his saddle-making craft, focusing on creating functional saddles for the cowboy lifestyle. His wife, Jessie Jo Johnson, is a skilled rawhide braider and keeps the shop running while making tack items.
Tony Pinheiro
Tony Pinheiro grew up in a ranching and farming family in California and has been a farrier for over 30 years. He began silversmithing a few decades ago, mentored by his friend Chuck Erwin. Since moving to Montana in 2015, Tony has continued his silversmithing at his home in Silver Bow.
Ross Miller
Ross Miller, based in Dillon, Montana, is a trained hand engraver, silversmith, and goldsmith. Over the past 12 years, he has focused on making spurs, saddle silver, and Western jewelry. Before that, Ross spent 20 years making saddles, honing his craftsmanship through practice and training with top artisans.
Mark Raffety
Mark Raffety has been braiding rawhide for about 12 years, inspired by owning a pair of finely made reins and romal by Vince Donley. He has attended Raw Braiders Retreats and has learned from some members of the Traditional Cowboy Artists Association (TCAA).
The reception is free and open to all and will feature light refreshments and an artist talk at 6:00 p.m. The “Our Working Hands” exhibition will be open for viewing from November 1 to December 6, 2024. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Montana Western Fine Arts Gallery Coordinator, Jennifer Boysen, at [email protected].
