In an era dominated by factory-made, mass-produced items, it is nothing short of remarkable that traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive. Leatherworking has a rich history spanning thousands of years, cherished for its quality and longevity. Unlike shorter-lived products, leather items are designed to endure, meant to be used, worn, and even weathered over time. Each scratch, mark, and patina tell a unique story, infusing the leather with character and meaning. Such items don’t simply serve a purpose, they become a part of the lives and histories of those who use them. Silversmithing and woodworking align with this rich history. While many associate silversmithing primarily with silver jewelry, it also encompasses the creation of items like belt buckles and spurs. Similarly, woodworking embodies the same ideals, focusing on crafting pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional.
In honor of these traditional forms, The Carnegie Arts Center in Alliance, NE, is set to present “A Step Back in Time” from October 8th to November 16th. During the exhibit, the annual Gala will take place on Saturday, November 9th at the Carnegie Arts Center. It will be a celebration for the Center as well as our talented artists. Food and drink will be provided and there is no cost to attend. We welcome all to this exhibit which will pay tribute to western culture, highlighting artisans who have dedicated their careers to beautifully crafting items integral to this way of life. Featured in this exhibit will be leather artisans Fred Hagman from Marsland, NE; Lance Nixon from Alliance, NE; Bob Klenda from Kimball, NE; Joe Roberts of Alliance, NE; Dennis Rose from Arthur, NE; and Leslie Vance from Torrington, WY. It will also feature silversmith Dusty Pulver from Elk Mountain, WY, and woodworker Mark Van Housen from Alliance, NE. Complementing these remarkable 3D works will be a series of oil paintings by artists Jean Jensen of Lewellen, NE, and Rick Yusten from Gordon, NE. Their artworks will capture the expansive beauty of Western landscapes and the spirit of its enduring people.
As viewers engage with the imagery, they can appreciate not just the visual representation of the West, but also the functional objects that embody its traditions. Whether it be a saddle, a silver belt buckle, or a wood piece, each handcrafted item speaks to the lifestyle and traditions depicted in the paintings. Together, the paintings and the artisans’ work create a narrative that celebrates not only the artistry involved but also the cultural significance that they both share, fostering a greater appreciation for the skills and stories behind the culture of the American West.
We invite you to get to know a few of our artists:
Fed Hagman
Fred, raised among cattle and horses, developed a passion for leatherwork early on and began crafting western belts in 1968 to earn extra income. After years of honing self-taught skills and participating in contests, he discovered a vibrant community of artisans at the Leather Crafters trade show in Sheridan, WY, in 2016. He now resides in Marsland, NE, creating and showcasing high-quality, unique leatherwork.
Jean Jensen:
Jean, an exhibiting artist and co-owner of the Most Unlikely Place gallery and café in Lewellen, NE, has embraced rural life after traveling the world in her early years. Inspired by the sixty acres of wild land she calls home, she creates watercolor, pastel, and oil works. Utilizing vibrant colors, she captures the essence of flowers, wildlife, people, and landscapes.
Bob Klenda
Bob Klenda exemplifies the enduring legacy of Western leather craftsmanship through his saddle-making shop. In addition to saddles, he creates patterns for chaps and tack while teaching the craft to students. An accomplished artisan, he has received several accolades, including the Howard Munsell Award from the Colorado Saddle Makers Association and the 2016 Academy of Western Artists Saddle Maker of the Year award. Bob also enriches the leather community with his published work, “A Handbook for Making Chaps, Chinks and Armitas.”
Lance Nixon
Lance Nixon of Alliance, NE specializes in custom-fitted pistol holsters and knife sheaths for hunting and concealed carry communities. Lance’s craftsmanship has been recognized at the World Leather Debut during the annual Sheridan Leather Trade Show, receiving second-place in the tooled holster division. Additionally, one of his hunting holsters is displayed at the Cody Firearms Museum alongside a revolver contributed by retired custom gunsmith Chris Rhodes.
Dusty Pulver
Dusty Pulver, owner of Bad Hoss Silver & Engraving in Elk Mountain, WY, started his career by crafting spurs for friends, gradually evolving his skills to create more intricate and decorative pieces. After studying under family friend Jim O’Connor and refining his engraving techniques with Ken Cureton, his work now encompasses a variety of fine pieces that embody the cowboy lifestyle.
Joe Roberts
After suffering a traumatic brain injury, leather work was a way for Joe to pass the time through a long and tedious recovery. Beginning with smaller pieces, his craft evolved into leatherwork as a career. Joe owns and operates Ottercreek Leather out of Alliance, NE. Joe’s passion is to preserve the methods used for cowboys and their horses over hundreds of years.
Dennis Rose
Rose Saddlery is a custom saddle business that has been in operation since 1978. Owner Dennis Rose specializes in western saddles and equipment for the working cowboy and western lifestyle. His innovation led him to design a custom fit saddle for an individual with a physical disability, the first of its kind. Dennis apprenticed under Wes Fuesner of Ogallala, NE, and attended the Texas State Technical Institute for saddle making.
Leslie Vance
Leslie’s interest in leatherwork sparked through growing up in her father, Bob Klenda’s, saddle shop. She began by stamping leather pieces for fun and later helped with repair work and finishing new saddles. She received first place for her first solo saddle piece at the Colorado State Fair at age 17. In addition to her career in accounting in Torrington, WY, she’s returned to leatherwork, assisting with the saddle business while being closer to family.
Mark Van Housen
Mark turns bowls, vases, and pots from chunks of scrap wood such as old fence posts. Mark rarely begins a piece with the preconceived notion of what he’s going to create, rather, he lets the wood tell him what it wants to become.
Rick Yusten
Rick Yusten began oil painting in the 1980s, although he has been creating art for most of his life. Residing just outside Gordon, NE, he draws inspiration from the Great Plains, with his work celebrating the stunning skyscapes and rolling hills of the prairie.
