Bob Park - 2015 Al Stohlman Award Winner

2015 Presentation of the Al & Ann Stohlman Awards: Bob Park

Bob, an Arizona native, began tooling leather after receiving a Lucky Seven Tooling Kit at the age of 12.  From the mid 60’s to the late 70’s, Bob developed and honed his leatherworking skills in saddle shops, western wear stores, and ranches in the Phoenix and Wickenburg area.  These included: N. Porter’s, Bill Porter’s and Wallace Stephen’s Saddle shops, as well as Clay Stapley’s Western Wear and the Rinecon Ranch.

Bob served in the Army from 1972 to 1975 as a Special Forces Airborne Combat Engineer.  Then, with a new wife and the need for a steady income, he decided to pursue a future outside of the military.

After twenty years in the construction industry as a finish carpenter, estimator, project manager, and general contractor, Bob decided to get back into leatherworking full time.  Along with his primary business (Bob Park Custom Leather), Bob devotes his time to teaching, promoting his excellent book, “Creating Western Floral Designs”, and producing many articles showcasing his amazing talent for the art of creating with leather.

Laier, Tony. "2015 Presentation of the Al & Ann Stohlman Awards". Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal  July/August 2015. p 48. Print.