Local saddler John Andrews with his tools and leatherwork. Andrews Custom Saddles will be donating materials for a leather valentine workshop this Saturday, February 1 from 1-3pm at the Museum Annex. This Saturday, February 1, from 1-3pm in the Silver City Museum Annex, participants can learn the craft of leather-working and get prepared for Valentine’s Day! Kids and adults alike express their love to someone special by using leatherwork to make a durable, decorative valentine that will last a lot longer than cards or candy.

Participants in this family-friendly activity will be provided materials and guided through the process of creating a personalized leather heart. Then they can join Interim Educator Erin Griffith on a tour of the leather-related portions of the Ranching in Grant County exhibit, which include the “Silver City-style” saddles by famous local saddle-maker Adolphus Dockery Seitzler.

Seitzler’s characteristics saddles, along with other finely worked leather accessories and early-20th-century leather-working tools, on are display in the Museum’s Dodge Gallery.

The leather for this workshop has been generously donated and stamping and tooling implements loaned by Andrews Custom Saddles.

The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting the region's unique history. It is nationally recognized through its accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.

Admission is free; a suggested donation of $5 helps support the museum’s education programs, collections care and exhibitions. For more information, please contact the museum at (575) 589-5921 info@silvercitymuseum.org , or visit the museum's website: www.silvercitymuseum.org