Artist to demonstrate flint knapping at CCAA Gallery in Calumet Oct. 7

CALUMET -- For First Friday, Oct. 7, the Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) will host a very special session by guest artist Steve Hecht, who will demonstrate the traditional art of flint knapping. This is a technique for fashioning tools such as arrow points, scrapers and knives from stone -- typically obsidian; but Hecht uses many varieties of rocks and different methods to create his pieces.

Artist Steve Hecht works on his flint knapping in the Calumet Art Center. He will demonstrate this traditional art for the public on Friday, Oct. 7, at the Copper Country Associated Artists Gallery in Calumet. (Keweenaw Now file photos)

Hecht has been flint-knapping for about fifteen years. His interest in rocks and minerals led him to many shows where this was taught.

The demonstration will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the CCAA Gallery in Calumet. Attendees will be able to learn methods by limited participation and observation; but, since it generally takes many hours for a pro like Hecht to create a single piece, this will not be a take-home project. Attendees may enter a drawing to to win the completed piece.

Flint knapping is hard on the fingers without protection.

The CCAA gallery is located at 112 Fifth Street in Calumet. From October through the Christmas season the gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in addition to First Fridays.

Please check out CCAA's new Facebook page for a picture and more info.