History of the TMA

The Texas Mesquite Association was established in 1992 by forty lumbermill operators, fine crafters and furniture makers who had an interest in Texas' own exotic hardwood, the pesky mesquite. That fall, a gathering of 60 plus woodworkers met in Uvalde at Bill & Robert Hensarling's workshop for a tour and barbecue.

October 1993 brought a change of venue to Fredericksburg, Texas. The group held their annual business meeting, woodworking seminars, and the first annual Texas Mesquite Art Festival. Today, the Texas Mesquite Association promotes the annual Texas Mesquite Art Festivals with state-wide advertising. Over 50 members are selected to display their products at both festivals and 20,000 plus customers return to shop each year.The Texas Mesquite Art Festival and Texas Mesquite Association membership meeting is held annually in October in Fredericksburg. The Festival has continued to grow each year with new artists and wood workers from all parts of the state. In 2004, the Texas Mesquite Art Festival debuted in San Angelo. It has now become an annual festival to be held in April at Fort Concho.TMA also sponsors a two-day woodworking seminar each spring. The clinics demonstrate specific techniques unique to working with mesquite.

The Association is recognized as a tax exempt, non-profit organization for education. Membership has grown to over 300 active members and publishes a newsletter devoted entirely to mesquite.

Purpose & Goals

• Share knowledge, skills and resources with fellow wood enthusiasts of all experience levels
• Foster woodworking skills of the next generation of wood workers
• Help members solve their unique mesquite problems
• Act as a reservoir of information for working with mesquite and other native Texas woods
• Provide funds for transportation for high school students to attend the Fredericksburg and San Angelo shows
• Enjoy fellowship and good times while doing all of the above