Map 2012 @LAST Llano Art Studio Tour for use Saturday March 31st The Last Saturday in March Annually

@2
Texas Tin Lizard: Kathleen Smith
Mixed Media Bottle Trees
www.texastinlizard.com

@3
The Country Quilt Shop: Ann Fellar
Fabric & Quilts
www.quiltshopinthecountry.com

@4
Sweet Mesquite: Ken Cline
Wood & Frames
www.sweet-mesquite.com

@5
Tom Suarez Photography
www.tomsuarez.com

@6
Llano Fine Arts Guild
Guild Artists
www.llanofineartsgallery.org

@7
Nailhead Spur Company: Richard Wendt
Iron
www.nailheadspur.com

@8
DustDevilDiver Photography: Briley Mitchell
www.dustdevildiverphotography.com

@9
A Rosy Outlook
Mixed Media / Jewelry
www.arosyoutlook.com

@10
Gridiron Gallery: Jack Moss
Watercolor Western Art
www.thegridirongallery.com

@11
ClayThings: Lynda Hallmark Gammage

Dana Williams Wood, the Single Tree Collection
Shabby Chic

Jane Lynch
Altered Art

Connie Lynch
Stained Glass

@12
Sapphire (Sheri Zoch) Home Studio
Fused glass and oils

@13
Charles & Euneen Wendt Home Studio
Spurs, Iron, Fused Glass, Gourd Art
www.rockingwspurs.com

@14
Myrick Studio: Harriet Myrick
Mixed Media

@15
Bob & Lisa Pheil Home Studio
Iron & Baskets
www.pheilforges.com

@16
Lou Quallenberg Home Studio
Sculpted Mesquite Wood
www.LouQart.com

Ralph Moresco
Copper Wind Spirals
www.westshorewindspirals.com

Susie Fowler
Shade Tree Potter
www.shadetreepotter.com

The International Guild of Bit and Spur Makers (IGBSM) has named Llano spur maker Charles Wendt as the featured artist for the month of January 2012.  The guild’s purpose is to promote the skills of bit and spur making and recognizing various makers who have submitted works for the jury process and been awarded a guild stamp.  One of the main goals is to bring the art of bit and spur making to the attention of the general public and help grow this unique art form.

Charles Wendt has been making spurs for over 20 years and is known locally as the owner of Nailhead Spur Co. Inc.  Charles became interested in fine cowboy gear and equipment while living in Alpine, Texas, a community rich in western heritage and culture.   While working on his teaching certification from Sul Ross State University, Charles was fortunate to have renowned metal engraver Johny Weyerts as his mentor at Alpine Junior High School while doing his student teaching.  Charles got to see the fine art of metal engraving and later took an engraving class from Mr. Weyerts.  Having completed the student teaching program and starting his teaching career in Van Horn, Texas, Charles started using spur making as a tool in the metal shop classes.  Struggling with the correct methods of making each of the spur parts and reinventing the wheel each time they made a pair of spurs another fortunate turn of events brought well known Marfa, Texas spur maker Frank “Buddy” Knight to Van Horn as Charles’ student teacher.  Buddy reinvigorated the desire to make spurs and showed Charles the tricks of the trade by sharing his vast knowledge of spur making.

In 1998 Charles and Euneen Wendt moved to Llano and started Nailhead Spur Co. Inc.  The business first featured his custom spurs and continued to grow into a complete metal fab business, building gates, fire screens, light fixtures and many other items of metal art.  In September of 2011 Charles retired and sold the business to their son Richard Wendt.

Charles currently builds custom spurs, buckles, bits, and art sculptures in his home shop in Llano.  Along with the metal working he also continues his chuck wagon catering business with the Rockin’ Dubya chuck wagon.  Information about his work can be found on his website www.rockingwspurs.com.

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If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Charles Wendt, please phone 325-247-5543 or 512-557-2229 or email Charles at rockingwspurs@yahoo.com