Little Rock – The Arkansas Arts Council will honor the 2026 Arkansas Living Treasure, fiddler Tim Trawick, during a reception and music event from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, at Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E. Third St. in Little Rock.
“Tim Trawick is a wonderful addition to our Arkansas Living Treasure program,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “His lifelong dedication to his craft has not only carried forward his family’s musical legacy but also helped preserve an important part of Arkansas’ cultural heritage. Through his passion for teaching and mentoring others, his influence will continue for generations, inspiring future creatives to carry on this treasured musical tradition.”
Trawick, of Greenbrier, is a third-generation fiddler who has more than 40 years of experience. He was announced as the 2026 Arkansas Living Treasure during James Black’s Bowie Heritage Festival at Historic Washington State Park this past April. The reception will celebrate Trawick as a master of old-time fiddle playing who has mentored hundreds of students in Arkansas.
Trawick, his friends and family will take the stage during the event. Musicians will include Trawick, Cindy Trawick Ellis, Steve Trawick, Aaron Farris, Gwyneth and Lottie Davis and Bill Nesbitt. The public also can bring their own instruments and play together in public jam sessions available at the museum. The event harkens to a time when Arkansans gathered on neighboring porches to play music together.
The celebration is free to attend. Come enjoy food, music and joy as we recognize the 2026 Arkansas Living Treasure. Since 2002, the Arkansas Living Treasure program has recognized an Arkansas creative who excels in the creation of a traditional craft or folk art and who preserves and advances their craft through community outreach and teaching others.
The program includes a $5,000 award to help master traditional or folk artists continue their work. An independent panel selected Trawick from about 24 nominations. Nominations for 2027 Treasure awards open Nov. 2.
Learn more about Tim Trawick at https://www.arkansasheritage.com/blog/dah/2026/03/20/fiddler-named-arkansas-living-treasure
The reception for Trawick will include an art talk, feature video, live music, and catering. For more information, email [email protected]. To RSVP, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2001011095051.