On Tuesday, May 1st from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., 79-year-old Hank Kaminsky of Fayetteville was honored by the Arkansas Arts Council as the 2018 Arkansas Living Treasure at Fayetteville Town Center. This annual award recognizes an Arkansan who is outstanding in the creation of art and contributes to the preservation of their particular craft.

After 60 years of creating art – from unique sculptures, to jewelry, to busts – Kaminsky has made his living as a sculptor, while teaching others his craft along the way. He almost followed a different career path, one that involved science, but a friend recommended he play with some clay, and he hasn't stopped since.

Originally from New York, Kaminsky moved to Arkansas in 1971, fell in love, and never left. Fayetteville locals know Kaminsky well, and he can be found at the Farmer’s Market, the University of Arkansas, or at any of the pieces he has created around town.

One of these pieces created by Kaminsky is the World Peace Prayer Fountain, located near the front steps to Fayetteville Town Center. This bronze sphere is a 10 foot in diameter sculpture that features the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in more than 100 different languages. Kaminsky’s website features the inspiration behind the sculpture, in addition to photos and a documentary on its creation.

For more information on Kaminsky, and his Arkansas Living Treasure nomination, please visit the article on the Arkansas Arts Council’s website.

Photo Courtesey of the Arkansas Arts Council