Barbed Wire Woodcutting
Artist: Rainey Smith
(Item donated): resin cutting board with custom engraving
(Website/contact info): www.barbedwirewoodcrafting.com
Words from the artist: “I’m Barbed Wire Woodcrafting…a local small business built around creating unique, one of a kind keepsakes using resin and hardwoods. My love for all animals made this donation an easy choice to make.”
Home Shop
Artist: Jeff Godsey
(Item donated): wooden box with carving of a horse on lid
(Contact info): 406-439-0683
The Crafty Bear
Artists: Benjamin and Christina Gabriel
(Items donated): Montana sign and laser engraved horse with horses running on it (Note: Take a look at our “MWHS Silent Auction *Featuring* Montana Artists and Craftsmen” tab in the Menu bar to see the other 4 items they also donated for this event!)
(Website/contact info): www.BuildStuffBear.com
Words from the artist: “Hello, my name is Christina Gabriel. I am half owner of The Crafty Bear with my husband and co owner Benjamin Gabriel. The mastercrafter/designer and creator of our business is definitely my husband Benjamin. His love of all types of arts and crafts and creative custom projects goes all the way back to when he was little, working with his mom. Building and selling things at lots of different craft shows. He has developed an expertise in all types of things like fine cabinetry, CNC work, stained glass, welding, leatherwork, and laser engraving just to name a few. It originally started as a hobby for my husband while he was homeschooling our daughter for just a little fun on the side. With more and more orders coming in, we decided it was time to make it a business. We officially started our business on 02/02/2020, what an interesting year to start a business! So far we have gotten our clients by word of mouth and the one show a year we participate in at the East Helena Christmas Stroll. That is where we met Kate from Montana’s Wild Horse Sanctuary, unknown to us at the time. She took our card and told us she would definitely be in touch later.
When we got the phone call from Kate to see if we wanted to participate in this auction, we jumped at the chance! I have been horse crazy since I can remember and would love nothing better than to help wild horses here in Montana! We love creating horse artwork pieces as well as so many other things. Now with over 35 years of experience, we look forward to each and every new creation we get the opportunity to make. My husband and I look forward to partnering with Montana’s Wild Horse Sanctuary in future endeavors to raise awareness and to help with the wild horses situation here in Montana. From one horse crazy person to another, thank you for your contribution with this horse foundation auction and have a blessed day!”
Tip Top Feathers
Artist: Judy Mergenthaler
(Items donated): acrylic on turkey feather painting
(Contact info): 406-458-9661
Artist: Eileen Badovinac
(Items donated): fabric picture of horses
(Contact info): twomuch2do@mt.net
Words from the artist: “Let me tell you a little something about myself and the artwork that I create out of my love for fabric: I am a retired nurse; I have been creating fabric pictures since 2003; I am one of 8 children that were born and raised in Havre, Montana; and I am blessed with a wonderful family that I cherish.
It has been said that fabric art gives the appearance of a painting when standing back to view the art; however, upon closer examination, the fabric technique is revealed. These fabric pictures are unique in the fact that there is NO sewing involved at all. This unique method was created by bonding fabric to a backboard and creating a scene with an array of different colored fabrics and textures.
At times, I will use chalk or fabric paint to enhance the picture on these “one of a kind” pieces of art, and some pictures are created with fabric panels which I have changed/enhanced with my own ideas and fabric choice. I have even used t-shirt art!
I get most of my inspiration for fabric art from our beautiful state of Montana, as I see the many blessings God has created for us to enjoy in this “Big Sky” country. It is because of this that I possess a love of fabric, bright colors, patterns, and textures that I try to reflect the imagination, depth, and vision of a true artist.”
Bear Tooth Leather Co.
Artist: Ralph Hunt WIlliams
(Items donated): knife and leather sheath
(Contact info): 406-586-3082
Artists: Last Chance Chapel Quilters
(Items donated): handmade quilt of horses running
(This lovely group is our Honorable Mention for this showcase — they donated this one of a kind quilt they made especially for our fundraiser as a kind gesture in a show of support for Jim and this organization!)
