Cultural Community: Cowboy
Artform: Folklife/Traditional Arts – Western Saddlemaking, Leather Tooling
Residence: Central Idaho

Bio: According to Cary, “The best saddles made are those that have a successful blend of function and art. This is the goal for every saddle I build whether plain or fancy.” Cary’s intricate designs, covering every inch of the saddle, turn plain pieces of leather into 3D masterpieces. Cary’s passion for leather tooling began when he got a leatherworking kit at age 12. In the 1980s he enrolled in a trade school for saddlemaking in Spokane, Washington. Since then, he has been making saddles and has come to be recognized as one of the best saddlemakers in the country – his work is displayed every year at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. He is also a founding member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association. His works are both functional and artistic; the majority of the clientele are working class people, ranchers, and cowboys. Cary teaches a couple leatherworking classes out of his home each year.

Honors & Awards: 2001, 2005, Master, Idaho Commission on the Arts Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program
2010, Governor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Folk and Traditional Arts

For Services Offered, Availability, and Costs, please contact the artist

Glossary: Leather tooling, leatherworking

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