Ron Wilson (Arlington) is a leatherworker who first learned from fellow roster artist Alene Rucker in 4H. Today Wilson works in his leather shop in the back of Ace Hardware in Arlington. Wilson keeps busy making chaps, chinks (half length chaps), belts, purses, rodeo queen outfits, tack, and many other types of leather goods.
Bio
Ron Wilson works in his leather shop in the back of the Ace Hardware store in downtown Arlington. Wilson’s family originally came from Pennsylvania, then settled in Wallowa County where he was born. Wilson grew up on a small farm and learned basic leatherwork from Arlene Rucker in a 4-H class. Over the years, Wilson continued to make leather items during the winter months. Around 2003, after a friend convinced him to repair something, Wilson began doing leatherwork full time. He keeps busy making chaps, chinks, belts, purses, rodeo queen outfits, and tack. Even though he doesn’t make saddles, he always has one or two around to repair for local cowboys. Wilson and his wife, Marta Mikkalo, are active members of the Arlington Saddle Club, which puts on the annual Arlington Jackpot Rodeo.
