Artisans of the West – Paige Albrecht

Our March 2013 issue featured the Ultimate Artisans of the West. Over the next few months, we’ll profile some of the talented artisans we met, and whose work we fell in love with. To see the full feature, order the back issue. 

Paige Albrecht

Roll young, stunning and talented all into one complete package and you get Paige Albrecht. Raised in the saddle just west of Trochu, Alberta, Albrecht has been a familiar face in the western horse world, not only in the competitive arena but also in the world of art.

Finding inspiration from the world in which she grew up in, from rodeos and horse shows, Albrecht’s subject matter is focused on the modern day cowboy – in the cutting, working cow horse or reining pen, cattle brandings and the rodeo arena. Accuracy and attention to detail are key to the young artist. “I want people of the western lifestyle to see themselves in my artwork,” says Albrecht.

In 2009, Albrecht added leatherwork to her repertoire. Finding there was a shortage in unique, quality western belts, Albrecht decided make herself one – a sort of prototype. “I was already at tradeshows with my art so I added the belts and they turned out to be a hit with Canadian cowgirls.” When Albrecht designs a belt she tries to envision the type of person wearing it and the style of clothing. Each belt is truly one-of-a-kind.

Albrecht aspires to become a full-time artist and participate in fine art shows like the Calgary Stampede Western Showcase and have her belts on display at functions such as Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas for the NFR and at the Denver Stock Show and Rodeo.

~Deanna Beckley