Anthony Tidwell, 43
Barber at Tim’s Barber Shop and founder of Cutwell 4 Kids (C4K)
Who is Anthony Tidwell?
I am a native of Hot Springs. I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville in 2007. In 2012, I received training and certification as a Mental Health Para-Professional while working with Birch Tree Communities. I have also worked as an assistant basketball coach at Morrilton High School and have been volunteering for the South Conway County School District for over 10 years. I belong to the Hot Springs Cultural Alliance, which is an organization that supports the arts of the greater area of Hot Springs. I am a barber at Tim’s Barber Shop 300 E. Grand Ave., the cornerstone of our community! I am also the founder of Cutwell 4 Kids (C4K), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to help the children in the community through the visual arts. My education and experience working with young people with behavioral problems helped to inspire the vision and need for the creation of the Cutwell 4 Kids organization.
I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Chandra Tidwell, for over 20 years. My son, Trevor Tidwell, who is 19 years old, attends New Tyler Barber College, which is the same college that my grandfather and my son’s great-grandfather and I graduated from. My 16-year-old daughter, Kyndra Tidwell, loves to sing in the church choir and loves to work for Cutwell 4 Kids. She manages the face painting department.
What one experience in your life really defined you?
In the early 80s, my family and I lived in Atlanta during the Atlanta child killing spree for 22 months. Wayne Williams terrorized the city, ultimately killing 29 young African-Americans, two of whom were my classmates. After that, for nearly a year, no words escaped my lips. To this day I still have trouble with my speech. Through drawing and painting, however, I was able to work through the traumatic experience and develop the courage to speak again.
What do you love about Hot Springs?
Hot Springs is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with A-plus skyline, architecture, history, lakes, trees, a thriving downtown, and a city that loves the arts. In Hot Springs, I feel like I’m home!
What do you enjoy doing for fun and relaxation?
For relaxation, I meet once a week with Gary Simmons, the pen wizard’s drawing group for two hours. This is like therapy for me, and I am so appreciative of how Gary and his group make me feel like family. I also have fun at Tim’s Barber Shop. Our customers are the best. There is never a boring day at Tim’s. I also enjoy watching cowboy movies. My father would always watch old cowboy films before he went to bed after a long day at work and I have found the same peace.
Tell us something few people know about you.
Something that most people do not know about me is that I love cowboy movies. My favorite is “Unforgiven.” My favorite quote from a cowboy movie is from Clint Eastwood who said “Dying ain’t much of a living, boy.”
Where do you see Hot Springs 10 years from now?
In 10 years, it is my hope that downtown Hot Springs will increase diversity, commerce and festivals and will also enhance its existing festivities and buildings which will ultimately make Hot Springs the “Hottest Spot” in Arkansas.