Designing With Story: Showcasing Montana Artisans and Heritage
Bringing Montana Art & Artisan Work into Your HomeMontana homes aren’t just about architecture and finishes—they’re about the stories that live in them. And one of the most powerful ways to bring soul and meaning into a space is through local art and artisan-made work.
From Western Art Week in Great Falls to independent sculptors in Bozeman, Montana, is home to some of the finest artistic talent in the American West. Decorating with regional art isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about celebrating culture, craftsmanship, and connection.
Whether you’re styling a mountain lodge, a downtown loft, or a modern rustic remodel, here’s how to weave in one-of-a-kind pieces that make your home feel like yours and honor Montana’s creative legacy in the process.
Why Artisan Work Belongs in Interior Design
I love that more designs are leaning into the artisan look. If you didn’t know, an artisan is a craftsperson who creates handmade, skillfully crafted work from ceramics and textiles to sculpture and furniture. Unlike mass-produced decor you would find at Target, artisan pieces:
Carry the maker’s personal story
Are deeply rooted in place and tradition
Add texture, warmth, and one-of-a-kind soul to your space
When thoughtfully integrated into interior design, Montana-made artisan pieces can balance modern minimalism or soften rustic architecture—bringing nuance, identity, and authenticity into a room.
Image Source: PearsonDesignGroup
Spotlight: Great Falls’ Western Art Week
Every March, Great Falls becomes the epicenter of Western art in America, with dozens of galleries, hotel shows, and exhibitions happening citywide. It’s one of the most vibrant, inspiring events of the year—and a must for designers and collectors alike.
Artists to consider showcasing in your home include:
Contemporary Western painters whose reflects Montana’s landscapes, wildlife, and people
Native artists whose beadwork, ledger art, or sculpture honor deep cultural traditions
Mixed media creators who merge natural materials like leather, antler, or bronze into decor-scale works
Many pieces are small enough to style on shelves, entry tables, or gallery walls—and carry far more impact than big-box art.
Designer note: Create a Western Art Week collection wall featuring 2-3 small works in custom frames with natural wood or leather matting. Works as a great conversational piece and unique charm to your home.
Image Source: Visit Great Falls
Spotlight Artist: Clint Lesh - Sculptor (Bozeman, MT)
Based in Bozeman, Clint Lesh crafts stunning, nature-inspired bronze sculptures that blend seamlessly with Montana’s rugged architecture and earthy interiors. His work often captures wildlife in motion—horses, bison, mountain goats, even a mammoth—and reflects the untamed spirit of the West.
How to use Clint’s work in interiors:
His scale is versatile—some sculptures fit perfectly on sonsoles, fireplaces, or built-ins
Bronze tones pair beautifully with wood, stone, and aged metal
Each piece becomes a focal point and conversation starter
Designer note: In a world of factory-made, Clint's sculptures feel alive. Adding one of his custom pieces add so much movement to a space.
Whether displayed solo or as part of a larger vignette, artisan sculpture brings a tactile, timeless presence into a space. I love this Burning Man project below.
Image Source: ClintLeshSculptures
Design Tips: Styling Artisan Pieces in Your Home
Give space to breathe: Artisan pieces deserve room to be noticed. Use negative space around them like you would with art in a gallery.
Tell a story: group a Montana painting with vintage books or a woven basket from a local maker. Build visual narratives, not just arrangements.
Mix old and new: Pair a Clint Lesh bronze on a modern walnut shelf. Hang a Western Art Week oil painting above a sleek console. The contrast adds tension and beauty.
Highlight craftsmanship: Use spotlights or directional lighting to illuminate handmade textures (metal, paint, clay, leather).
Image Source: Pinterest
Final Thoughts:
Your home should reflect not just your style, but your place in the world. In Montana, that means honoring wide skies, wild nature, hard work, and deep roots.
By incorporating local artisan work and regional art, you create rooms that feel grounded, storied, and uniquely yours—not just beautiful, but meaningful.
What’s your favorite local piece of art at home?
Tag your favorite Montana artist or share a photo of your artisan-styled space with us: @MontanaInteriorDesign
Want help sourcing local artwork or styling artisan pieces in your home? - Let’s talk. ↗️
All of your support is amazing, and I am so thankful you are here! I really hope this has helped you with your projects or future ideas. Please follow along for a deeper look into the design industry and what I’ve learned working on my own house projects. Send me projects you are currently working on in the comments below! I love seeing what you are up to.
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