JOSEPH — An exhibit to showcase a range of Western cowboy equipment that’s right at home in Wallowa County will run from July 6-31 at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture in Joseph.

The center is at 403 N. Main St. in Joseph.

An opening reception will take place Saturday, July 6, from noon-4 p.m. A Tuesday talk by Barry Cox of Del Sol Wilderness Adventures will be held from noon-1 p.m. on July 9.

The exhibit of “Cowboy Gear — Wallowa County Past and Present” will highlight the talents of local artisans, both past and present, showing a range of gear from intricate masterpieces to the most basic, rugged equipment made for hard use.

The exhibit aims to showcase the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Wallowa County through the talents of local artisans, both past and present, with a range of gear from intricate masterpieces to the most basic, rugged equipment.

Historically, many craftsmen began their work out of necessity, often in the bunkhouse, using readily available materials like leather, rawhide and scrap metal. For cowboys on remote ranches, the high cost and long distance to town made purchasing gear impractical, spurring the creation of durable, handmade items.

This exhibit will show the work of artisans such as Cox, Slim Bronson, Tom Dorrance, Don Mallory, Harry Bartlett, Barry Cox, Ray Wilson and Masterson Saddlery. Each piece tells a story of ingenuity, resilience, and the cowboy spirit that defines Wallowa County.

The free exhibit will be curated by Cindy Sloan. It is the dream of her good friend, Char Williams, a lifelong horsewoman. 

For more information, contact organizer Arianna Olsen at 541-432-0505, ext. 2, or at exhibits@josephy.org.