By Western Hands Holds Its Annual Open House Tonight
Written by Caleb Nelson on June 16, 2022
The 2022 Annual Open House for By Western Hands (BWH) takes place tonight from 5 -7 p.m. at 1007 12th Street in downtown Cody, Wyoming. The spirit of the west runs deep in Cody and BWH fosters that spirit through its mission and its artisans.
A small group of local investors purchased the Gambles Hardware building with the specific intention of providing a new space for BWH. The Wyoming Philanthropic Trust, through the Wyoming Community Foundation, offered a generous matching grant for necessary improvements to the Design Center, which creates the exhibitions people enjoy today.
The uniquely articulated doors on the building, designed by Shane Hughes, display the carving of a tree with widespread branches. According to Executive Director Mary Sims, “this has become our symbol and our goal.”
“The tree represents the roots of western design that began in Cody with the cowboy work ethic and stringent attention to detail,” Sims adds.
After entering the building, folks will find a large gallery space with impressive natural light, high ceilings, and original hardwood flooring. The gallery is home to legacy artisans who craft works of hand-carved wood, tooled leather and bone, beaded textiles, antler, silver, and iron (to name just a few).
Tonight, there will be the chance to win new selected pieces as well as vintage work through the Anniversary Raffles.
There will also be an opportunity to bid on “One-of-a-Kind 30th Anniversary Commemorative Boxes.” Further, the open house will feature new artisans’ work as part of the “2022 Invitational Exhibit,” which will be on display through September.
One-of-a-Kind 30th Anniversary Commemorative Boxes
BWH has also developed the “Northwest College By Western Hands Internship Program,” which matches mentors with interns looking to cultivate professional artisan skills while preserving functional art influenced by the American West. Those who participate in the internship will be put in contact with BWH and will receive “mentor instruction,” and “on-the-job training.” The internship program covers the International Society for Technology in Education Standards while learning from some of the finest craftsmen in the United States.
BWH Design Center & Workshop
The Annual Open house for BWH takes place tonight, Thursday, June 16th and starts at 5 p.m. for the celebration of 30 years of Western Functional Art and Design.
