Chandler Goodstrike and Elevated Living Collaborate to Create an Authentically Unique Piece that Inspires

Chandler Goodstrike of Goodstrike Buffalo Art is a Gros Ventre and Arapaho artist known for his hand-painted buffalo hides–one of which is on permanent display at the Jackson Hole Airport. His buffalo robes tell a range of stories about his Gros Ventre tribe and can take as long as 6 months to complete, selling for prices up to $15,000. In 2019 Goodstrike was awarded the Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale’s Sonny Tuttle Spirit Award for recognition to the juried piece that best incorporates Native American art form, tribute, influence and inspiration among the entire show.

Photo: Courtesy of Darla Worden

Goodstrike has been attending the Western Design Conference + Sale for decades, this year bringing his hand-painted teepee with him to assemble inside the 28,000 square foot exhibition. During the September 2023 Exhibit + Sale, the teepee was a focal point of the WDC’s Designer Lounge and Shop hosted and created by the team at Elevated Living Interior Design.

Photo: Courtesy of Darla Worden

WDC founder and director Allison Merritt jumped at the idea of incorporating the teepee within the Designer Lounge when Principal Designer Melinda Dorion suggested the authentic piece be a focal point. “Chandler’s storytelling on his teepee showcased an iconic structure at the WDC, by adding design elements to the interior and throughout the lounge an interactive experience was created for the show’s attendees,” Merritt said.

Photo: Courtesy Elevated living/Neil Simmons

At 86, Goodstrike relies on help to transport and assemble the massive teepee. During the 2023 event, the teepee was constructed at the WDC with assistance from the Elevated Living interior Design team lead by Shannyn Levitz – an effort that requires precise placement of the 18-foot  heavy and cumbersome lodge poles. Once the Goodstrike’s teepee was raised, Elevated Living Interior Design went to work creating a magical interior space with candles, a variety of textures, and cozy décor.

Photo: Courtesy of Darla Worden

At the end of the 4-day WDC, Goodstrike sold the teepee to fellow exhibitor and local Jackson business owner Lisa Oden of Oden Watches and Jewelry. Oden moved the work of art onto her Bondurant ranch for her family to enjoy. 

Goodstrike hopes to return to the Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale September 5-8, 2024, to sell his artwork. Asked about his inspiration, he says it comes from stories from his ancestors, and from life. “I have lived a life with many of these stories,” Goodstrike says.

Photo: Courtesy of Darla Worden