Chris Monahan

I began working with leather and textiles over 35 years ago. For many years, I was an apprentice for Randall Herold/Antelope Dancer, a master craftsman who designs and creates beautiful and elaborate leather goods. I bought my own industrial sewing machine and began to experiment with making hats, belts, and bags. Using a variety of leather and textiles, I often create pieces around fabrics or vintage findings. The most enjoyable part of creating these designs is perusing antique stores for buttons or vintage clothing stores for trims or fabrics, hand picking leather from tanneries in Gloversville, NY, and bringing all the pieces together.
I have done many shows throughout New York, as well as in Mexico and Alaska. While living in Alaska, I was invited to take party in the Anchorage Museum show, a prestigious show of artists from around Alaska. During the Iditorad, I entered a custom leather, fur, and antler sled bag into the Fur Rendezvous Craft Show and received first place in the craft selection. After returning to New York, I went back to school for my teaching certification and have been a teacher for the past 20 years. During this time, I have continued to make and sell leather goods as an active member of the Artisan’s Guild in Oneonta, New York. I live on a farm in Otego, NY with my husband, two dogs, cat, horse and chickens.
I have done many shows throughout New York, as well as in Mexico and Alaska. While living in Alaska, I was invited to take party in the Anchorage Museum show, a prestigious show of artists from around Alaska. During the Iditorad, I entered a custom leather, fur, and antler sled bag into the Fur Rendezvous Craft Show and received first place in the craft selection. After returning to New York, I went back to school for my teaching certification and have been a teacher for the past 20 years. During this time, I have continued to make and sell leather goods as an active member of the Artisan’s Guild in Oneonta, New York. I live on a farm in Otego, NY with my husband, two dogs, cat, horse and chickens.