The Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of Arkansas Heritage, is pleased to announce the 2026 Arkansas Living Treasure Award goes to fiddler teacher Tim Trawick, of Greenbrier.

Tim Trawick has been a staple in Central Arkansas for the fiddle community and has taught nationally recognized and award-winning fiddlers. Trawick grew up playing music with his father, who won the Arkansas Old Time State Fiddle Championship in 1979. He is a third-generation Arkansas fiddle player and continued the craft by teaching his sons along with hundreds of fiddle players statewide and regionally.

Beyond teaching, Trawick has performed fiddle statewide and internationally and has helped preserve the Ozark fiddle-playing style. His contributions stretch back into the 70s and include performing and teaching at festivals, events and camps, as well as tutoring for individuals and families in Arkansas. He is a fiddler, songwriter, mentor, performer, educator and old-time fiddle advocate of 40-plus years.

Trawick and many of his students have participated in the Arkansas State Fiddle Championships at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, often winning or placing well in their divisions.  In 2017, 2018 and 2022, "Mr. Tim" won in the senior division and was presented the overall prize in 2007.  Three of his students have won the top prize in the Arkansas Old Time State Championship, as well.  He and his students have competed well in other talent competitions and fiddle contests and have performed for weddings, church services and community events. 

Started in 2002, the Arkansas Living Treasure Award program recognizes a master of traditional craft or folk arts. Community members nominate traditional craftspeople, and an independent panel selects one creative for the honor. Trawick, who was nominated by Gabe Holmstrom, of Little Rock, was selected from among 20 nominees. The panel chose a runner-up award for Bertha Arleen Parsley, a quilter in Pine Bluff.

For more information on the Arkansas Living Treasure Award, please visit www.ArkansasArts.org. For questions, please contact Scarlet Sims, artist services manager, at [email protected]. Nominations reopen in November.