Cowboy Art Talk #2: Beau Compton, Scott Hardy, and Leland Hensley

Silversmiths Beau Compton and Scott Hardy, and rawhide braider Leland Hensley from Cowboy Craft: Traditional Art of the West, will present on the history and intricacies of their highly specialized practices.

The traditional technique of a western silversmith is a rare expertise which utilizes bright cut engraving for elaborate designs that reflect light in precious metals.

Crafting braid work from animal hides is a time-honored tradition. Rawhide braiding requires highly trained artists who have mastered the patience, concentration and dexterity needed to prepare, cut and braid intricate and durable works of art.

As members of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association they are committed to the continuation of their crafts for generations to come and to grow public awareness and education of the arts. The presentation will conclude with a Q & A—a chance to ask a real cowboy about their craft and culture.

Beau Compton was born and raised in a rodeo and ranching family. Though he was initially interested in bit and spur making, he started silverwork in 1997 after his father-in-law introduced him to Vic Vasquez, a saddlemaker, silversmith, and bit and spur maker. In 2006 Compton started to pursue silverwork as a full-time business, and in 2015 he was awarded the TCAA Fellowship.

Scott Hardy is a fifth generation stockman who in 1981 became a full time Western silversmith and seventeen years later became a TCAA Founding Member.

Leland Hensley picked up rawhide braiding while attending Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, in the early 1980s. After graduating, he managed a small Texas ranch and continued to hone his skills at braiding rawhide.