The Rocky Mountain Folk School (RMFS), with the support of the Grand Lake Creative District, has proudly received the Traditional Folk Arts Project Grant from Colorado Creative Industries three times—each grant marking a step forward in the school’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural traditions of the American West. Through hands-on education, documentary support, and expanded access to tools and training, RMFS is not only honoring the past but also building a sustainable future for cowboy artisans in Colorado.

The first grant brought Jim Brainard (J.B. Leatherwork), a master leather tradesman, to Grand Lake to teach a workshop on traditional cowboy bootmaking. The experience gave participants a rare opportunity to get their hands on the craft—cutting, shaping, and stitching leather under expert guidance. More than just a class, it was an invitation to explore a nearly lost art, one steeped in generations of functional beauty and rugged design. For many attendees, it was their first exposure to the craftsmanship and dedication involved in creating custom cowboy boots—an introduction that sparked both awe and inspiration.

The second grant was awarded to support the Cowboy Trades Association (CTA) in the creation of their upcoming documentary film—a major project that highlights the artisans and practices behind traditional cowboy trades across the Northern Rockies. While the film is still in production, it will premiere as part of Saddle Up! Western Handmade Art and Gear, an exhibition taking place in Jackson, Wyoming from July 31, 2025, through January 3, 2026. RMFS is working closely with CTA to bring this powerful documentary to Grand Lake in 2026, giving our community the chance to experience the stories, techniques, and cultural significance of cowboy trades on screen.

The most recent grant has laid the groundwork for the future. RMFS has started acquiring professional leatherworking tools that will allow the school to offer regular leather classes for all skill levels. By investing in this equipment, RMFS can now provide more frequent, hands-on opportunities for the public to learn and explore leatherwork—while keeping class prices low and accessible. This effort ensures that people from all backgrounds have a chance to discover whether this creative trade could become their hobby, passion, or even livelihood.

Together, these projects reflect a powerful vision: a vibrant, evolving creative community in Grand Lake that honors its Western heritage while building a path for future generations of makers. Through its partnership with the Cowboy Trades Association and continued grant support, the Rocky Mountain Folk School is positioning Grand Lake as a regional center for the education, celebration, and preservation of cowboy artisan traditions.