Art: A Family Affair

“Mom, tell me about soldering,” K.C Tucker requested during lunch break.  So, local artist and mother, Cynthia Dupps, began describing the soldering process to her daughter while sipping her soup during a very brief lunch break at ESSA.

ESSA held its Master’s Class with instructor Bob Ebendorf this past week.  Bob’s metalsmithing magic and exceptional teaching skills made the class a huge success.  Bob and the students helped ESSA break in its new metalsmithing studio.  The students carefully designed jewelry using found objects – everything from rusted metal findings to fine gems.  The students learned to rivet, arrange, bend, saw and do whatever it takes to create an adornment.

We had eight students in the class, and three of them were family (Cynthia Dupps, Holly Ertel, and K.C. Tucker).  It is always so refreshing to watch mother and daughters – fathers and sons – create together.  What a wonderful way to spend ‘quality’ time together.  It reminded of a couple years ago when we had two father/son teams take our timber framing class – something about using the hands that bonds and fulfills.

“I am so done with sawing,” K.C. stated on day two as she held up a few broken blades.  Of course, mom was right there for encouragement.

Written by Peggy Kjelgaard, Executive Director, Eureka Springs School of the Arts