Oct 213 min read

Discovering Spirit Horse Gallery: Craftsmanship in Leather, Jewelry and Art

Downtown Madison Fine Art, Leather, and Jewelry Studio

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

On the west end of Main Street, you can discover a unique studio filled with lovely hand-crafted jewelry, thoughtfully designed leather bags, two friendly dogs, and the promise of quick friendships. This year, Crystal Carol opened her gallery to Madison for the first time as a brick-and-mortar location, though her work has been at least a 30-year career. As a self-taught artist throughout her life, Crystal has painted stunning scenes on various textures and canvases, traveling to fine art events across the country—from Colorado to Oregon to New Mexico.

Following the shifts in the art market in 2008, Crystal expanded her offerings to include handcrafted medicine bags, and in 2020, she ventured into custom leather bags. “I decided to make leather bags and bought my first leather sewing machine. It’s been a fun learning experience!” Crystal shared. “I have 8 sewing machines and many beads and lots of canvases. For an artist, supplies make you rich even if you don’t have much money!”

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

Madison was not new to Crystal; her son lives nearby, and she had participated in several Chautauqua Festivals a few years back. “I got tired of traveling and wanted to create a beautiful work and show space.” She chose Madison for her brick-and-mortar location and waited nearly two years to find the perfect spot at 845 W Main Street, opening in May 2024. “I add to the diversity in this great little town, where all the different shops make it such an interesting place to visit.”

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

As you enter Spirit Horse Gallery, you're immediately greeted by River and Dakota, Crystal’s beautiful and friendly Samoyeds. The space embodies everything you’d hope for from a life style artist—displays of handcrafted goods alongside the equipment and tools used to create them. The workspace is situated towards the back, with various workstations for each type of art just feet away. Tables brimming with sewing machines, fine furs, and tools can be seen all around.

Uniquely crafted mixed media art hangs on the walls, featuring horses painted with textures. The jewelry is made with sturdy materials like brass and copper, enhanced by patinas that bring out stunning colors. “I love painting the best, and the newest painting is usually my favorite. I love painting on gourds and leather, and now I’m enhancing the soldered jewelry pieces too.”

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

Crystal also works with unique textiles that are hand-woven, hand-spun, and hand-dyed, along with a variety of other beautiful, high-quality fabrics she has collected during her travels over the years.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

Crystal is always working on new pieces, so each visit might reveal a fresh work of art in progress. “I live, create, and sell at my home—my workplace. I make what I sell, so you never know what I’ve been working on; it’s always new!” She enjoys starting her art early in the morning while people pass by on their way to work. This location provides her with a comfortable space to work and welcome customers. “The customers who come back and bring friends and family will make my day, even my week,” Crystal noted.

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