Morley Canoes - An Artist at Work
August 2019
Bigfork, MT
In 1972, Greg Morley started a small shop called Morley Cedar Canoes. Decades later, Greg is now working along side his son, Steve. Together with Steve, Greg continues to handcraft incredibly intricate and well made canoes that are sent all over the world, from California to Germany. What a pleasure it was to watch them at work along the Swan River. It’s getting harder and harder to find places like this but people like these two make it all worth it.
All over their shop, the Morleys have beautiful memories of their canoes shown through a variety of mediums, from old film photos to small wooden replicas. These little details help visitors understand their passion and history.
Steve working away on a paddle. This particular piece is for a cherrywood canoe that he has been working on for over a month. The current waitlist for a canoe is about a year and a half!
The workspace. What may seem like a cluttered mess is actually a talented artist’s studio: everything has its purpose and place.
Steve Morley. Several years after finishing college, Steve realized his true passion that he shares with his father: building canoes. 15 years ago he quit work and joined Greg to continue their united dream.
if you ever find yourself near Glacier National Park or anywhere in northwest Montana, stop by Morley Canoes. You won’t regret it and might even find yourself interested in a brand new canoe. What an honor it was to tell this wonderful story.