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About Us

Biography: Les and Kimball Beery

In 1968 Kimball and Les Beery began the production of high quality leather goods. Kimball brought her fine art talents and her knowledge and experience in the art of sewing. Les contributed his structural concepts and knowledge of leather materials. Their combined talents led to the production of leather accessories that are not only works of art but also functional and durable. Their creations have been enthusiastically accepted world-wide. In 1994, after 20 years of operation, they sold their Estes Park store. Specializing in accessories, most of their products are available with 9 original works of art by Kimball, 4 unique leaf embossed designs, and 7 colors of bag leather tanned to be fully water repellent and easily cleaned.

Technique

The leather products and art pieces that Les and Kimball produce are unique. Kimball creates a pen and ink drawing which is photo engraved into a metal plate. Using fifteen tons of pressure with a special press, the plate is then used to emboss the leather. The art piece is then hand dyed. The leaf embossings are Les' area of expertise. He collects, dries, and presses leaves native to the Colorado area. Using the same press, he embosses the actual leaf on to the leather. He then hand dyes this impression. Each piece of art and each leaf embossing is unique.

Experience

For 20 years Les and Kimball owned and operated a leather store in Estes Park, Colorado. During these years they also owned Village Leather in Vail, Colorado and Colorado Craftsmen's Gallery in Estes Park. In the earlier years of their marriage they owned The Shire Leather Shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico and The Penthouse Paupers in Gunnison, Colorado. They have exhibited in Colorado at Stawberry Days in Glenwood Springs, Snowmass Art Festival at Snowmass, Michael Martin Murphy Westfest at Silver Creek , Copper Mountain and Vail, Copperfest at Copper Mountain, Art in the Park at Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Carbondale Mountain Fair in Carbondale, Colorado, Denver Sportsmen's Show at the Convention Center, The Indian Market, Western Art Show, Holiday Food and Gift Festival and the Denver International Sportsmen's all at Currigan Hall in Denver. For five years they had a booth at the National Western Stock Show. Kimball has also participated in the Women's History Month Art Show in Estes Park. Recently they have been able to participate in numerous art shows in the Estes Park area.