vote no on Nov. 4 Bozeman Water Adequacy Ballot Initiative vote no on Nov. 4 Bozeman Water Adequacy Ballot Initiative vote no on Nov. 4 Bozeman Water Adequacy Ballot Initiative
Subscribe
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Menu
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events

Artist spotlight: Norseman Designs West

in Arts & Entertainment
Artist spotlight: Norseman Designs West
EBS Staffby EBS Staff
April 19, 2021

The 3D artist that lives and breathes his work

By Mira Brody EBS STAFF

CODY, WY – John Gallis is 71 but he doesn’t see himself retiring anytime soon. He loves what he does, and has been fortunate enough to make a living from it. The Long Island, New York native has been a professional woodworker for nearly 50 years, crafting artistic, functional furniture with inspirations from nature.

His woodworking career began out of high school when he found that he was best at expressing himself through his hands. He was the chief cabinetmaker at Bloomingdales, but made the move to Cody after he and his wife at the time came out west to visit his brother-in-law, who was working as a coal miner in Gillette. After a month-long road trip, he was hooked by the open land, clean air and blue skies.

How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image. How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image. How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image.
ADVERTISEMENT

“I thought I was smart,” Gallis jokes of the harsh climate, lamenting that his Harley Davidson is still under wraps in April. “I looked on the map and saw we’re at the same longitude as Long Island, but I didn’t factor in the 5,000 feet of elevation.”

They made the move in 1996 and for a while he worked for a local furniture maker until he opened his own line of award-winning high-end western furniture under the name Norseman Designs West. He and his wife raised four children and all still live in the area.

The name of his business is derived from a trip he took to Norway, where he stood in awe of the craftsmanship of the ships.

“I fell in love with the Viking ships that they had there and their construction and precision,” Gallis said. “I really liked their style and adventure.”

Gallis is in good company in Cody—the town is the original home of the Western Design Conference, which is he still involved with. He’s also a member of By Western Hands, whose mission is “To educate, conserve, and perpetuate the legacy of western design and craftsmanship.” You can see his work on their website or in their showroom in Cody.

Gallis lives and breathes woodworking. He enjoys incorporating different textures into his pieces and says the gratifying aspect of being a three dimensional artist is being able to watch someone interact with his work. He was fortunate to be able to attend the Big Sky Art Auction last summer with By Western Hands and looks forward to attending again this year.

“I especially like it when you meet the person who falls in love with your furniture so much that they want to wake up with it every day,” Gallis said.

Luckily, his skill matches his work ethic, something his clients appreciate.

“Until it’s good enough for me it’s not good enough for the client,” he said. “I don’t own a lot of my own work because it really sells.”

Don’t miss John Gallis and Norseman Designs West with By Western Hands at the Big Sky Art Auction from July 16 through 18. Visit bigskyartauction.com for more information.

Yellowstone National Park Lodge Yellowstone National Park Lodge
ADVERTISEMENT

Listen

Outlaw Beat Podcast

Joe Borden & Michele Veale Borden

Lastest Episode
See More Episodes
outlaw realty montana outlaw realty montana
ADVERTISEMENT
Outlaw Realty Big Sky Bozeman
ADVERTISEMENT

Upcoming Events

Oct 17
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

“FALL COLORS” Big Sky Artists’ Collective

Oct 17
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Trivia at the Waypoint

Oct 18
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

“FALL COLORS” Big Sky Artists’ Collective

Oct 19
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

“FALL COLORS” Big Sky Artists’ Collective

Oct 20
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Event Series

Community Hike Big Sky

View Calendar
Event Calendar

Related Posts

Waypoint to host TGR ski film for BSSEF fundraiser 
Arts & Entertainment

Waypoint to host TGR ski film for BSSEF fundraiser 

October 7, 2025
WMPAC announces fall performances 
Arts & Entertainment

WMPAC announces fall performances 

September 29, 2025
Waypoint, arts council to host Manhattan Short Film Festival Oct. 2 
Arts & Entertainment

Waypoint, arts council to host Manhattan Short Film Festival Oct. 2 

September 25, 2025
Oktoberfest brings beer, Bavarian culture to Big Sky
Arts & Entertainment

Big Sky Oktoberfest returns Sept. 26-28

September 12, 2025

An Outlaw Partners Publication

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube

Explore Big Sky

  • About/Contact
  • Advertise
  • Publications
  • Subscriptions
  • Podcast
  • Submissions

Outlaw Brands

  • Mountain Outlaw
  • Plan Yellowstone
  • Big Sky PBR
  • Wildlands Music
  • Outlaw Partners
  • Outlaw Realty
  • Hey Bear

Copyright © 2025 Explore Big Sky | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Bozeman News
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Yellowstone
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Real Estate
  • Events

©2024 Outlaw Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Explore Big Sky Logo
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Subscribe
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube