Montana is home to unique art born out of the "challenges" of farming. Rich Charlson of Charliwood Art

Rich Charlson was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. He spent the summers working on the family farm in Carter, Montana between Great Falls and Fort Benton. When he married, he moved to the farm and has lived there since. He was "inspired" to become to an artist when he discovered farming didn’t always pay the bills.

His earliest woodworking experience was in 1985 when drought forced him to look for other ways to make a living so he began routing redwood signs. The signs were a great success! Soon he bought a second hand lathe and began turning bowls.

Before long he started using a variety of woods to make unique richly patterned bowls http://charliwoodart.com/charliwood_art/basketweave.htm that are outstanding examples of incredible craftsmanship and innovation and are treasured pieces in museums and private collections.

He soon found he had real talent and that he loved working with the wood.

Rich works with a large variety of exotic and native Montana woods using their natural color and grain to create beautiful patterns and designs.

For more about Rich and how you can purchase one of his amazing works of art: http://charliwoodart.com/charliwood_art.htm