2026

Artist of the Month 

JULY 

ARTIST OF THE MONTH JAMES WILLIAMS
I have been woodburning since I received my first woodburning tool for Christmas in 1962. My
subjects were mostly dogs, cats, and birds. In high school Art class, my passion was portraits in
pencil, pen and ink, and charcoal. I never attempted burning images of people because I didn’t think
it was possible. In 1988, the US Army sent me to Korea, where I met Hong, a Korean woodburner
who was burning portraits. His work was fabulous. Upon returning to the States, I figured if he could
burn portraits, I could too. It took 3 years to figure out what the best wood was to use and where to
get it. I researched the best burning tools available. Forty years of trial and error, and here I am
today. In 1992, I woke up dreaming of burning on leather, now 25% of my work is on leather. I have
exhibited in sports memorabilia shows around the country for 15 years. In the 90’s I was burning
12-14 hours a day. Today, 6 or 7 hours, and I have had enough. Over the years, I have created
pieces for Micky Mantle, Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, Joe DiMaggio, Pete Rose, Al Kaline, Roger
Clement, Ted Williams, and many others. Currently, I have work in the National Baseball Hall of
Fame, the Football Hall of Fame, The Ted Williams, and The Nolan Ryan Museums.
Jim has many works displayed at the Topeka Art Guild Gallery, and we look forward to seeing new art
work for the July First Friday.