Veterans can have a true hands-on experience at the Eureka Springs School of the Arts on Saturday, November 16th for Veterans Appreciation Day. This annual event offers U.S. military veterans a full day of free workshops across various mediums, all generously funded by donations to the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund, named in honor of the memory of the long-time ESSA staff member and decorated US military veteran. Attendees will also enjoy a complimentary lunch, thanks to their sponsors.

This year’s workshop lineup includes:

Make a Small Clock with Ray Taylor:  Join instructor Ray Taylor in this engaging class where you’ll design and create your very own small clock! Learn essential woodworking techniques and explore various styles as you craft a functional piece of art.

Metal Sculpture with Bobby Babcock:  Unleash your creativity in this hands-on metal sculpture class! Join instructor Bobby Babcock to learn essential metal fabrication techniques while working with a diverse array of metal pieces and vibrant beads. Create one-of-a-kind art pieces that will stand the test of time.

Intro to Small Metals with Mary Lou Christie:  Dive into the world of metal-smithing and discover the art of creating beautiful, wearable pieces. Join instructor Mary Lou Christie as you explore various techniques and tools, transforming raw materials into stunning jewelry.

Make a Candy Bowl & Foot Massager with Steve Walter:  Join instructor Steve Walter for an exciting woodturning workshop where you’ll create two functional and beautiful projects! Using just three carbide tools, you’ll first craft a spindle-turned foot massager, perfect for relaxation. Then, bring your creativity to life as you design a charming small candy bowl.

Reverse Glass Painting with James White:  Immerse yourself in the enchanting art of reverse glass painting with instructor James White. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn unique techniques to create stunning images that pop with color and depth. Discover the intricacies of layering paints and how to work with glass to achieve beautiful, translucent effects.

Taylor, an Air Force veteran of 21 years and 9/11 survivor, is a lifelong wood worker, who still has the first turned wooden bowl he made in shop class in 1977. The Northwest Arkansas Community College instructor became involved with the veterans program at ESSA after having taken several classes there on box making, which he has since taught during the last two Veterans Appreciation Day celebrations. This year, he will teach clock making, which he has practiced for 20 years using a variety of domestic and exotic woods. Participants in this year’s Veteran’s Day workshop will build what Taylor describes as “a somewhat floating clock.”

Taylor feels that learning hands-on, artisanal skills through ESSA’s programs is important for veterans. He said, “Many veterans served in hands-on roles in their military service.  It’s very rewarding to spend time with others in a creative environment and walk away with a keepsake that you will always treasure. It’s very rewarding to work with those who have served.”

To register for this year’s Veterans Appreciation Day workshops, visit the ESSA website.

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