Craft Lake City is proud to announce their new Celebration of the Hand exhibition: The Soul of the West featuring 14 pieces shot by a Utah-based artist best known as The Cowboy Photographer, Seth Stern. This new outdoor photography exhibition features a series of 14 black-and-white photographs capturing the culture, resilience and spirit of cowboys across the west. 

As part of the exhibition programming, Craft Lake City hosted a free virtual Lunch & Learn conversation on May 15th at 1pm, featuring Seth Stern and members of the community. During the live online discussion, attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from the artist about the inspiration and meaning behind The Soul of the West, engage in conversation about the work, and ask questions.

About the Artist:
Originally from Los Angeles, Seth Stern began photographing cowboys while traveling across the country after leaving the film industry. What started as a search for direction evolved into a personal and artistic transformation that continues to shape their work today. Stern’s work documents the people and traditions of the American West through intimate portraiture and candid moments exploring themes of identity, faith, perseverance and transformation.

Installed along Broadway (300 South) between 200 East and Main Street in downtown Salt Lake City, The Soul of the West is free and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the month of May and June 2026. The exhibition is presented as part of Craft Lake City’s Celebration of the Hand, a rotating public art series highlighting Utah and regional artists and mission-driven organizations. Celebration of the Hand exhibitions explore themes and ideas in ways that feel meaningful and relevant to the community.