Please be the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council’s special guest at this historic event on January 17, 2020, in Washington, AR. The education and promotion of heritage arts through bladesmithing is exciting for all of us here at SWAAC!

Sign up for the Community Education class, The History & Art of the Bowie Knife, which will feature national living treasure Master Bladesmith Jerry Fisk and be held in the 1860 Brunson House from 11:00 a.m.. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch is included with the $20 registration fee and registration can be made through Akili Moses Israel (akili.mosesisrael@uaht.edu or 870.722.8102).

At 1:00 p.m., head over to the WPA Gym for the cutting competition.

The day will conclude with the grand opening of the James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades at 2:30 p.m. at the Stephens House where Governor Asa Hutchinson and Stacy Hurst, Cabinet Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism will accompany UAHT Chancellor Chris Thomason in the ceremonial first firing of the forge.

The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades celebrates, preserves, and promotes the art of bladesmithing and historic trades, and the birth of the iconic Bowie Knife in Historic Washington. Students at the school will study the art and science of Bladesmithing, Forging, Handles and Guards, Damascus Steel, and more.

The James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades is unique in the University of Arkansas System, and reflects the same quality and commitment to excellence in student learning that is the centerpiece of the missions of both the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana and the University of Arkansas System. Become a part of a campus where history, art, and skill are celebrated and preserved.