Made in the West: Film Premier Showcases the Legacy of Western Functional Art
The Movie Premier Event
Next Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the Cody Theatre, By Western Hands Board of Directors, Staff, and Master Artisans cordially invite you to the premiere of Made in the West, a documentary celebrating and preserving the tradition of Western functional arts.
5:00 pm – Reception at By Western Hands 1007 12th Street, Cody, Wyoming
5:30 pm – Film Premiere at The Cody Theatre, 1171 Sheridan Avenue. Cody, Wyoming
Supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, a program of the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.
A recent collaboration between Nashville PBS and Wyoming PBS led to a documentary film being produced called ‘Made in the West.’ The primary focus of the 60-minute film is on functional art: artwork that serves a practical purpose, from furniture to household items, tools, and clothing.
According to producers, “Through interviews with artisans, historians, collectors, ranch owners, University of Wyoming and Northwest College faculty members, and students, ‘Made in the West’ covers the impact of Native Americans, Buffalo Bill, Thomas Molesworth, and other popular entertainment in the romanticism of the West and what is considered western style.”
Western Artisans
This film documentary takes time to appreciate and revel in current work from sculptors, woodworkers, silversmiths, jewelry makers, and leatherworkers. Many household items and furniture pieces are born from a love for Western Native American history, cowboy and ranching culture, and lived experience with the landscape and wildlife. They come to life through depictions of nature including some of the most remote wilderness in the lower 48 states, near the East of Gate of Yellowstone.
There is a natural draw to own premium, high-end western functional art. These masterfully designed and built one-of-a-kind pieces are highly coveted. However, in the past, there was a barrier to individual artists’ getting connected and known within the industry and the worldwide arena.
Functional Art on Display
To that end, in 2015, Cody, Wyoming, community leaders and master artisans joined forces to launch a nonprofit organization called By Western Hands to educate, perpetuate, and conserve the legacy of American western functional art and design.
As the documentary’s production team shared, “By Western Hands recognizes the importance of exposing younger generations to the possibility of a career in the functional arts. With this goal in mind, they have partnered with the University of Wyoming and Northwest College to support arts curriculum with hands-on workshops led by master craftsmen. This model could be replicated at other higher institutions throughout the country. There is a path for preserving this uniquely beautiful and soul-fulfilling craftsmanship, but it will not be forged without increased awareness of what is at stake.”
The third week in September is typically known as Rendezvous Royale. The week is highly anticipated and prepared for year-round by the Cody Chamber of Commerce, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, By Western Hands and the community. Learn more by joining us for the “Made in the West” World Premiere.
Article by Lindsay Shaw
Owner of Blue Spruce Ink
Writing Partner of the Cody Journal
Lindsay Shaw is a fifth-generation Wyomingite who loves connecting with her community! She's a marketing maven who offers a range of services for marketing, branding, writing, and design projects. An inspired and well-designed story, implemented with strategy, can change everything! Let's craft solution-oriented outcomes for your next project or long-term goal together.