History of Hones Design Studio at the Western Design Conference
Hones Design Studio has been participating in the Western Design Conference since 2001. After a lifetime of wood working, mostly building cabinets in the business his grandfather started, Al needed a change. He began doing wood carving in 1998 as a more artistic outlet. In 2000, Al read an article in Cowboys and Indians about the Western Design Conference. He submitted an application and photo’s of work he had done, and was accepted into the show in 2001. He then built the “Majestic Moose bar”. That piece won The People Choice award, and Al’s place in the WDC was confirmed.
In 2003 Al built “Grandpa’s Desk” and won Best of Show. People still remember this piece and the chaps that were carved from solid walnut.
In 2006, working with his son Kade, they created the spectacular piece “Time Well Spent”. They recieved Exhibitor’s Choice and Best Artist Accents. The feel and artistry of “Time Well Spent” is amazing. The greatest compliment came when a sight impaired woman came through the show. She wanted to “see” the piece by feeling it. Al guided her hands to the top were he had carved a stream with water ripples, rocks, and leaves. “I can see the water she exclaimed.” He then helped her to feel the squirrels, the fishing creel, and the fish. Everyone was moved by the woman’s experience with this work of art.
In 2007 the show was moved from Cody to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This was an exciting move for the show, and a great compliment to all the art in Jackson Hole.
Al took a break from the show for 2009 and 2010, but accepted the invitation for 2011. The piece for this year promises to be another great one. Combining wood carving, unique design, and bead work done by Al’s wife, Mary. All that in a functional work of art, will surely capture the spectators eye.
Don’t miss this great show September 8th – 11th. Snow King resort, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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The "Magestic Moose Bar."
Grandpa's Desk
Time Well Spent
Detail of Time Well Spent
Detail of Time Well Spent
