"THE ART OF LEATHER"
Featured Leatherwork Exhibit
by Monty Mickelson
On Display October 2026 at Sevigny Studio PDX
First Friday Opening Reception
October 2 · 6–9 PM
Artist in Attendance • Live Music • Light Refreshments
Discover the artistry of traditional Western leatherworking with Monty Mickelson of Pale Rider Leather, featured this October at Sevigny Studio PDX. From intricately carved purses to handcrafted wallets and bags, Monty's work brings historic Western craftsmanship into everyday life.
Join us for First Friday to explore his work, meet the maker, and learn about the hands-on process behind each piece.
A Tradition Rooted in the American West
Monty's work features Sheridan-style leather carving, a traditional Western art form that originated in Sheridan, Wyoming, during the 19th century. Originally used to decorate saddles, gun belts, and other ranching equipment, this distinctive style is known for its flowing floral patterns and dimensional details.
Today, Monty adapts the tradition to personal accessories, creating functional leather goods with a timeless Western aesthetic.
The Art of Hand-Carving Leather
Every piece begins with a carefully planned design.
Monty first draws his floral patterns on paper, then transfers them onto the leather using tracing film and a stylus. He outlines the design with a swivel knife before using an assortment of steel stamping tools, a mallet, and a polymer hammer to create depth and texture.
Much of the process involves tapping and stamping rather than traditional carving. Monty also cuts, measures, punches, and stitches by hand, relying on traditional tools and techniques throughout the process.
The finishing touches include saddle oil, stain, and a protective coating called Tan-Kote, bringing out the details and giving each piece its polished appearance.
Inspired by Western Heritage
Born in South Dakota and connected to a family of farmers and ranchers, Monty has a longstanding affinity for Western culture and craftsmanship. Coming from a family of craftspeople, he sees leatherworking as a natural extension of that creative heritage.
His greatest inspirations are traditional saddlemakers, whose work preserves and advances the Sheridan carving tradition. Though his own workshop isn't suited to making full-sized saddles, he brings the same attention to detail to smaller leather goods.
Despite all the hammering and pounding, Monty describes leatherworking as a surprisingly Zen endeavor—a practice that rewards patience, focus, and creativity.
Caring for Your Pale Rider Leather
With a little routine care, your leather goods can stay supple and beautiful for years.
- For moisture protection: Apply a light coat of Neatsfoot oil with a soft cloth, working in circular motions.
- If your bag gets wet: Let it air-dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid heaters, ovens, and other direct heat sources.
- To restore softness: Once completely dry, apply Lexol leather conditioner with a soft cloth in circular motions.
- For ongoing care: Condition periodically to help prevent drying and cracking.
Always test leather-care products on a small, inconspicuous area first and follow the product instructions.
Meet the Maker This First Friday
At Sevigny Studio PDX, we celebrate artists and craftspeople who preserve traditional skills while bringing their own creative vision to the work. Pale Rider Leather is a wonderful example of heritage craftsmanship made for modern life.
Join us October 2, from 6–9 PM, to explore Monty's hand-tooled leather goods, meet the artist, and experience the intricate details of this enduring Western art form.
Sevigny Studio PDX
Art, community, and creativity in Southeast Portland.