Kate Walchuk
Leather worker // Arts Educator // Exhibitions Coordinator
Dartmouth Nova Scotia, Canada
About
I'm a leatherworker and arts professional based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. My leatherwork practice is rooted in a love for historical, western-style tooling and the popularization of leatherwork patterns designed for home hobbyists in the 1950s/60s. Drawing from my passion for historical western wear, since 2021 I've been creating hand-tooled pieces that celebrate the tradition of leathercraft and doing things slowly, with intention, the old-fashioned way.
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My favourite projects are custom guitar and banjo straps, though I produce handbags and small personal items like wallets, keychains and lighter covers too. I am inspired by the greats: Al and Ann Stohlman, Ken Griffin, Jim Linnell and my dad.
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In addition to my studio practice, I am the Exhibitions Coordinator at the Anna Leonowens Gallery, NSCAD University, where I’ve worked since 2014. There, I help emerging artists bring their work from the studio into the public eye, often for the very first time.
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I’m also an arts educator, teaching exhibition design and project planning workshops at Halifax’s Centre for Art Tapes since 2021, and offering leatherwork classes from my home studio.