Fannin County, Texas -- On a sunny North Texas day, three members of the Creative Arts Center—Director Sandy Barber, Program Coordinator Japhnee “Jaye” Metellus, and Board Member Caroline Blackwell—set out on a two-part field trip that combined artistry, history, and local pride. Their destination? The family homestead of local artisan and woodworking expert David Keene.
Nestled on 90 acres of gently rolling farmland, the Keene property has been in David’s family for decades. The site includes three main buildings: David’s brick home, a large barn equipped with industrial woodworking machinery, and a smaller barn originally built as a temporary home by his parents. Today, that smaller barn houses David’s finely tuned woodworking tools—and a whole lot of history.
David Keene is a well-known name at the Creative Arts Center, celebrated for his beautifully handcrafted pens made from Bois d’Arc wood. Bois d’Arc, also known as Osage orange, holds deep roots in the region’s culture and identity. In fact, Bonham itself was originally named "Bois d’Arc" before being renamed in 1836 in honor of Alamo hero James Butler Bonham.
“From Austin to Washington, folks are familiar with Bois D'Arc because of David's pens,” said Allen Rich of North Texas e-News. “I always consider him to be the ambassador of the Bois d'Arc Kingdom!”
David has gifted his pens to countless elected officials as both a gesture of gratitude and a way to raise awareness about Bois d’Arc wood and its significance to Fannin County. He’s on a mission to make Bonham nationally recognized for its unique ties to this resilient, golden-hued wood.
This passion was also on full display during Vive le Bois d'Arc, a landmark event held in Bonham last May. David was one of the driving forces behind this celebration, which brought dignitaries from France and representatives from the Caddo Nation together to honor the historical and cultural significance of Bois d’Arc wood. The event served as a powerful reminder of how this native tree connects people across continents and centuries.
A hands-on tour of craftsmanship
The first stop on the field trip was David’s large barn, a well-organized workspace filled with table saws and specialized equipment. A former engineer, David has outfitted the space with a clever system of hoses and suction to manage sawdust—an example of the precision and problem-solving that mark his entire process.
Using quarter-sawn Bois d’Arc wood, David demonstrated several steps in the pen-making process, from cutting to shaping. Over time—and through lots of trial and error—he’s perfected exact measurements and developed helpful shortcuts, including electronic rulers that enhance precision.
The group then moved to the smaller barn, where David showed off his collection of smaller tools. Many were sourced from eBay, and at least one originally designed for metalwork has been cleverly adapted for wood drilling. His creativity and resourcefulness were on full display.
One fascinating detail? David dries his wood using a food dehydrator in his kitchen. He's discovered that if the wood isn’t properly dried, the pens are prone to cracking. In a charmingly practical twist, his pantry shelves are shared between food staples and a wide variety of wood glues.
A gift from the heart
The tour concluded inside David’s home, where he proudly showed the group his personal collection of vintage kerosene lamps. In a generous gesture, David donated one of these lamps to the Creative Arts Center for our upcoming Taste of Chocolate auction in February 2026. We’re incredibly grateful for his support and continued contributions to our community.
Celebrating local talent
This field trip was more than just a visit—it was a celebration of local talent, heritage, and the quiet but powerful ways in which creativity shapes our lives. We’re lucky to have artists like David Keene who not only create beautiful work but also share their passion and purpose with the community.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from the Creative Arts Center, including the next stop on this field trip in northern Fannin County at The Nursery and Double O Seven Farm—and be sure to mark your calendar for February 21, 2026 for the second annual Taste of Chocolate Gala!
David’s pens are available for purchase in the gift shop at the Creative Arts Center. Fountain pens are $40 each and regular Bois d'Arc pens are $30 each, which includes the option to get engraved. Stop by anytime the center is open. Tuesday – Friday 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to noon. 200 West Fifth in Bonham.
