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LEATHER DEPARTMENT

Month: March 2024

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Meet the Teachers



Clair Kehrberg

Clair began her leather working journey in high school under the tutelage of local saddle maker Tom Berry. Upon graduation from high school she attended a two year saddle making program at Spokane Falls Community College with Verlane Desgrange as the instructor. She earned an associates degree in saddle making there. She spent a short time as an apprentice with Randy Severe at Severe Bros Saddlery in Pendleton Oregon. In 2007 Clair received a scholarship from the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association to study with world renowned saddle maker Dale Harwood. Clair has operated her own leather arts business since 2004 where she has made everything from custom western saddles to key chains and just about everything in between! She has won awards for her work and the World Leather Debut in Wyoming and been recognized for her handbags at the International Independent Handbag Designer Awards in New York City. Over the years her work has been featured in such magazines as Western Horseman, Cowboys & Indians, Western Art & Architecture and many others.


Leon Pielstick

Leon started leathercraft and tooling at age 10. He made his first saddle with a Tandy Kit at age 14. He has made an abundance of belts and wallets and has mentored other leather workers in leather tooling and saddle making.

Leon attended OSU and graduated from Colorado State University Veterinary School. He was a practicing veterinarian in Burns until retirement and moved to John Day in 2017.



Julie Smucker

Hey, I'm Julie Smucker! I've always loved horses and leather and all things western. I started in leatherwork a little while ago and then apprenticed under the amazing Clair Kehrberg! Now I enjoy making, and working with, a variety of leather projects.


Leather Department Committee



Leather Department Lead

Clair Kehrberg

ckehrberg@outlook.com 


Teach a Class

Interested in teaching or volunteering for the Leather Department? Contact Clair at ckehrberg@outlook.com

Leather Store



Painted Sky Center for the Arts is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Your support matters.

Thank you for supporting the arts in Eastern Oregon. 

Painted Sky Center for the Arts offers its programs equally to all people



Physical Address: 116 NW Bridge St. John Day, Oregon 97845

Mailing Address: 116 NW Bridge St. John Day, Oregon 97845 Ste 9

Call: (541) 575-1335

Email: paintedskycenter@gmail.com

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