Studying, Sharing and Preserving Cowboy Artisan Traditions

FAIN: ZPP-284103-22

Vista 360 Inc. (Jackson, WY 83001-0340)
Lucas Alexander Day (Project Director: May 2021 to present)

The study and preservation of artisan traditions in the Rocky Mountain West and Nevada, including public and museum programming and the retention of two positions.

This project will study the history and current conditions of the cowboy artisan heritage in the Rocky Mountain West and Nevada with the goal of better understanding the social, economic and cultural dynamics necessary for the revival and preservation of these traditions in the 21st century. The project has four components: historical research, research about the current realities, a public program and digital humanities. The public program is a panel discussion based on research, an exhibition of master work of cowboy artisans and a one-day conference to develop strategies for collaborative action to support this heritage. The project is a case study for a humanities-driven approach to the preservation of artisan traditions that could be adapted to other artisan traditions around the world. Understanding the past and the present is the key to assuring a future. This project fits within A More Perfect Union as a contribution to building a more inclusive and sustainable society.