Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In a world of mass production and fast furniture, is there still a place for true craftsmanship? We explore the world of Western artisans who are keeping the art of handmade goods alive. From custom knives to heirloom furniture, these creators are fighting against a tide of automation to build things with soul, integrity, and a human touch. But as shop classes disappear and machines get smarter, is this a losing battle? We talk to woodworkers, knife makers, leather artisans, and collectors to answer the question: What do we lose when we lose the art of working with our hands?
Made in the West was made possible by Carlene Lebous, the Thomas Elizabeth Grainger Family Charitable Fund, Naoma Tate, AllianceBernstein, the State of Wyoming by and through the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, Carolyn and Scott Heppel, @RockyMountainPower Foundation, and First Horizon Foundation.
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Chapter Markers
0:00 – Heirloom Quality vs. Mass-Produced Furniture
0:43 – A Dying Breed: The Human Touch vs. Machines
1:43 – The Importance of Shop Classes for the Next Generation
2:27 – The Power and Soul of Artistic Collaboration
3:10 – By Western Hands: A Brotherhood of Craftsmen
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With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
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In a world of mass production and fast furniture, is there still a place for true craftsmanship? We explore the world of Western artisans who are keeping the art of handmade goods alive. From custom knives to heirloom furniture, these creators are fighting against a tide of automation to build things with soul, integrity, and a human touch. But as shop classes disappear and machines get smarter, is this a losing battle? We talk to woodworkers, knife makers, leather artisans, and collectors to answer the question: What do we lose when we lose the art of working with our hands?
Made in the West was made possible by Carlene Lebous, the Thomas Elizabeth Grainger Family Charitable Fund, Naoma Tate, AllianceBernstein, the State of Wyoming by and through the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, Carolyn and Scott Heppel, @RockyMountainPower Foundation, and First Horizon Foundation.
...
Chapter Markers
0:00 – Heirloom Quality vs. Mass-Produced Furniture
0:43 – A Dying Breed: The Human Touch vs. Machines
1:43 – The Importance of Shop Classes for the Next Generation
2:27 – The Power and Soul of Artistic Collaboration
3:10 – By Western Hands: A Brotherhood of Craftsmen
...
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
