Bert (Bentonville, AR) started his interest in blacksmithing while attending the grand opening of ESSA’s blacksmithing studio in 2014. He now has his own forging shop, The Smithin’ Jones Backyard Blacksmith Company, and is an active member of The Blacksmithing Organization of Arkansas. Bert joined ESSA’s Board of Directors in 2016. He also owns Gaskin’s Cabin Steakhouse in the Eureka Springs area.

About Beth Woessner Beth (Springdale, AR) has been selling her watercolors for twelve years and teaching for seven. Her work [...]

Bill (Memphis, TN) is a working artist/blacksmith, and professor of Metal Arts and Sculpture at Memphis College of Art. He earned a MA in Blacksmithing from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and has a BFA from Memphis College of Art.

Billy (Jenkins, MO) is a 2nd generation white oak basket maker from the Ozark hills of southwest Missouri. Since 1999, Bill has taught the Ozark traditions of white oak basket making at conventions and workshops all over the country.

Bob (Everton, AR) is a nationally known blacksmith with professional experience since 1967. He has taught and demonstrated at regional and national conferences all over North America, and established the Big Anvil Forge School of Blacksmithing. Bob is also a founding member of the Blacksmith Association
of Missouri.

Doug (Eureka Springs, AR) is the author of 13 books and over 90 articles in woodworking publications, including Fine Woodworking, Woodwork, and American Woodworker. Doug has spent 40 years as a professional woodworker and is one of the founders of Eureka Springs School of the Arts. In 2009, Doug was named an Arkansas Living Treasure by the Arkansas Department of Heritage.

Brandace (Wilsonville, IL) is the Executive Director of The Macoupin Art Collective in Staunton, IL, and an accomplished ceramic artist with a bachelor of art from Webster University in St. Louis, MO.

Brandy (Memphis, TN) is a life-long student of nature and history; Brandy attempts to capture the ephemeral and showcase natural wonders in metal. Her passion is helping others find their creative voice and sharing what she has learned through her artistic journey.

Brenda (Durant, OK) is an accomplished pine needle and gourd artist. She creates beautiful art from gourds, pine needles, and other bits of nature. Brenda is the recipient of numerous state and national gourd art awards and exhibits nationally. 

Brynna (Eureka Springs, AR) earned her BFA in Studio Arts from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She has taught art and art therapy classes in Illinois, Louisiana, Africa, and Arkansas. She lives happily tucked away in the woods with her husband, step-daughter, and beloved pets.