THE SADDLERY MURAL
MURAL ARTIST:
A local Miles City Artist, Keely Perkins is a painter and ceramicist whose vibrant colors and intentionality distinguishes her unique style. As the owner of Which Craft Studio, she teaches a variety of art classes to all ages. To purchase merchandise, commission her work, take a class, or learn more about Keely, visit her social media pages on Facebook @keelyperkins & @keelyperkinsart & Instagram @keelyperkins
LEATHER ARTIST:
Born and raised on a ranch in eastern Montana, Jim Linnell has had leather working in his blood ever since his first visit to the Miles City Saddlery. Now, after spending the last 50 plus years working with leather and over 45 years in the leather industry, those sounds and smells are still a part of his life. A 1973 graduate of Custer county High School, Jim has taught leather working skills to thousands of students around the world. His passion for the art has made him one of the most sought-after leather working instructors of our day.
As an artist, Jim’s leather art has been featured on magazine covers, catalog covers, in galleries and at countless shows. In the leather working world, he has received some of the most prestigious awards recognized in the industry. The Al Stohlman Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Master Leather Artisan Award from The Academy of Western Artists are some of the better known.
Now that he is “retired”, Jim is busier than ever. His passion for teaching leather craft has been focused on his business, www.elktracksstudio.com where classes continually happen and a library of instructional videos continues to grow every month.
THE SADDLERY:
The Miles City Saddlery was one of the oldest retail businesses in Miles City, MT with an open date of August, 1909. It has operated faithfully since those days with only minor modifications to location and name. The historic Miles City Saddlery underwent renovation in 2024 with new owners at the helm that refreshed this beautiful building with timeless additions and fun new inventory to draw new and past customers back into their doors. With the intention to preserve the business of serving the local ranching and rodeo community alike along with any and all who love western and cowboy culture, the Historic Miles City Saddlery is a must stop in Miles City.
MADE POSSIBLE BY:
Connors Family Foundation
Bobcat of Miles City | The Saddlery Crew | Keep Miles City Beautiful | Miles City Live | Sam Hould
Installed by Keely Perkins, Vicki Leesburg, and Kelsey Merritt in 2025