Monthly Presentation
May 2026
Tom Slavicek
The May meeting of the North Georgia Arts Guild featured an entertaining and informative program presented by Mr. Tom Slavicek, a master leather craftsman. Mr. Slavicek’s interest in leather work began as a Boy Scout. He went on to a 37-year career as an executive with the Boy Scouts of America before retiring and launching his second career as an artist and leather crafter. Tom led the class in an interactive program in which we each made our own leather tassel. He also displayed a wide array of handbags, belts, and jewelry he has made from leather, as well as photos of his students’ work. Tom teaches leather classes at about a dozen venues across north Georgia and has been invited to offer a class at Gallery 441 in Dillard for NGAG members.
Click on image to enlarge
Purses
More Purses
Tools of the trade
Demonstration of making a tassel
Tom is also a Painter
Python Skin
Everyone got into the Tassel Making
Scholarships
The Guild’s long-time goal was realized in 2015 with the establishment of the NGAG Art Scholarship Program. Through it, we provide educational financial assistance to artistically talented graduating high school seniors. The first scholarships were awarded to four outstanding students in 2016. The program continues to benefit students through funding from the annual fundraiser, Sassafras Artisan Market, our generous sponsors, and individual donations.
To date, 29 scholarships, each $1000 have been awarded to graduates from four area high schools:
Rabun County High School, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, Habersham Central High School, and Tallulah Falls School.
Congratulations 2026 Scholarship Recipients
This years selectees represent the ideals of our organization. Not only do they have remarkable past achievements but exciting future plans.
Left to right
Allayson Aldrich- North Georgia Arts Guild Scholarship Committee
Christy Walden - Habersham Central High School, Carolyn Hill Memorial Scholarship Award
​Kendall Weisser - Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, Paula Van Huss Memorial Scholarship Award
​​Maria Valentina Arias Camargo- Tullulah Falls School School, Celia Durand Memorial Scholarship Award
Dietricht Hoecht - North Georgia Arts Guild Scholarship Committee
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Maria Valentino Arias Camargo
Christy Walden
Kendall Weisser
Georgia Mountain Laurel Magazine
NGAG advertises our monthly members meeting in The Georgia Mountain Laurel each month with a quarter page ad which includes: program title, guest speaker, date, time, and location.
Every other month the Laurel showcases NGAG artists with Helen Roger’s article and photos of the the artist’s work.