We are a nonprofit coalition of people who practice the traditional cowboy trades — making saddles, boots, hats, bits and spurs and other horse tack, rawhide braiding and horsehair hitching, woven cinches, artist blacksmiths and other traditional silverwork and leatherwork.  As a new group, we’re focused initially on serving artisans who live and work in the Northern Rockies — Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, Utah and eastern Nevada. Our purpose is to support existing businesses and educational programs and to work together to preserve these traditions for the next generation. All of our members are dedicated to this goal: to collaborate to help these trades survive and thrive in today’s world.

If you’re interested in learning more, please join us in Lava Hot Springs and be part of the conversation. We’ll be making an action plan for the coming year to benefit our members, including a tour of our brand-new traveling museum exhibit and an online directory of teaching and learning opportunities. We’ll discuss new sources of support such as apprenticeship funding and grants for individuals. The gathering also includes an inspiring keynote speaker and time to get to know one another — a BBQ and an evening of music and storytelling, as well as time to just visit and exchange experience and ideas. We’ll be meeting at the Greystone Manor in Lava Hot Springs, close to parks and hot spring pools.  We would really love to have you join us! Now that we’re up and running, we’re reaching out to more artisans.

To RSVP, please email candra@vista360.org.