Cowboy Trades Association

Arts/Cultural Organization Craft School

The Cowboy Trades Association (CTA) is a coalition of master artisans, cultural advocates, and heritage organizations working to preserve the living traditions of the American West—while building new opportunities for the future.

Our Roots

Founded in 2023 under the fiscal sponsorship of Vista 360° (Jackson, WY)
Born from a partnership with the Jackson Hole History Museum
Created by artisans featured in the inaugural Saddle Up! exhibit

What We Do

Exhibitions – Touring Saddle Up! Western Handmade Art & Gear to museums and cultural centers, featuring 60+ artisans across Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado
Education – Hosting hands-on workshops with masters like:
- Keith Seidel – Saddlemaking (Cody, WY)
- Christy Sing Robertson – Hatmaking (Jackson, WY)
- Amy Erickson – Silversmithing (Evanston, WY)
Preservation & Innovation – Documenting artisan techniques through video and oral histories, and creating new pathways for apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, and rural job growth
Equity in Opportunity – Supporting apprentices from all walks of life—ranch kids, veterans, recent graduates, and career changers—so that the trades are open to anyone with the passion to learn