A message from God himself — that’s how Ed Stilley got into the instrument making business in 1979. As a “preacher man” living a simple life with his wife and five children in Hogscald Hollow near Eureka Springs, his world turned upside down when he had a vision (during the midst of what he believed to be a heart attack) wherein God promised to heal him if he did one thing: build instruments and give them to kids.
For the next 25 years, Stilley did just that, handcrafting more than 200 instruments with no formal training. This incredible true story is the basis of the newest exhibition at the Old State House Museum titled “True Faith, True Light: The Devotional Art of Ed Stilley.”
The show features this legendary Arkansan folk art with pieces like guitars, banjos and fiddles, all incorporating items like sawblades, door springs and pot lids. Most instruments include the inscription “True Faith, True Light, Have Faith in God,” which Stilley etched using his “blessed router.”
Beginning Nov. 18, guests can view Stilley’s instruments, his tools and even the music that came from his instruments. The exhibit will be on display through early 2018.
There will also be a free reception celebrating the exhibit’s opening on Nov. 18 from 6-8 p.m. with folk music duo Still on the Hill, who will use some of Stilley’s instruments during their performance.
For more information on “True Faith, True Light: The Devotional Art of Ed Stilley,” visit the Old State House Museum website.
