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Clair Kehrberg Fine Leather Art

maker from John Day, OR
Clair Kehrberg Fine Leather Art in Oregon Clair Kehrberg Fine Leather Art 0 0 0

    About Clair Kehrberg Fine Leather Art

    Hello, I am Clair Kehrberg, designer and maker of Clair Kehrberg Fine Leather Art. I grew up riding horses on cattle ranches in Eastern Oregon At the age of eleven I went to work in the hay fields and I have been working ever since. I am proud of my background. The hard work taught from ranch life gives you grit, determination, and a stubbornness that is necessary in an artist’s life. My folks, grandparents, uncle and now my husband and I all ranch. Growing up my cousins and I all worked for the family on the ranches, it was great. When I got into high school I decided that I wanted to do leather work. I got in touch with local saddle maker and friend, Tom Berry, and asked if he would help me. He agreed and I loved it. When I graduated I went to a two year saddle making school in Spokane Washington. There I made my first four saddles. The first saddle is mine – I’m still riding it today. After I graduated from Spokane Falls Community College, I apprenticed with Randy Severe at Severe Bros. Saddlery in Pendleton Oregon. I was only there a short time but I really enjoyed working with Randy. In the fall of 2004, I opened the doors to Clair’s Saddle Shop in John Day Oregon. I have been doing business there since. Now, I am broadening my horizons. Currently I make an array of leather art pieces including saddles, chaps and chinks, handbags, and home décor. Therefore I thought it would be prudent to change the name from Clair’s Saddle Shop to Clair Kehrberg ~ Fine Leather Art as I do so much more than just saddles. It really is my passion to take a plan raw piece of leather and turn it into a beautiful piece of art. I love it. Along the way I have had the opportunity to study with master saddle maker, Dale Harwood. In 2008 I was awarded a scholarship through the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association to study with Dale for a week. It was incredible experience. I continually strive to better my work by studying with masters of leatherwork, such as Dale Harwood. I have been very blessed to know and count as friends many talented artists. It is something that I really enjoy and appreciate. I continually strive to better my work by studying with master leatherworkers and artists. Thank you for your time. Hope you enjoyed hearing my story. Kindest regards, Clair Kehrberg