Local artists Dom and Pat Ferullo are so passionate about art they decided to invite others into their home to share their enthusiasm as well as their artistic talents.
A formal reception for the opening of their recently created studio/gallery/workshop will be held on Sept. 23 at 140 Pacolet Street in downtown Tryon. It will be followed by workshops in expressive drawing and abstract expressionism, taught by Pat Cole-Ferullo, and workshops taught by Dom Ferullo on creative wood assemblage and mixed media using natural materials and altered papers.
Born in West Virginia, Pat Ferullo spent most of her childhood in Daytona Beach, Fla., where she studied art with local fine artists. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in art from Florida State University, she studied at the Instituto in San Miguel, Mexico. She later studied with artists with the abstract expressionists movement.
Dom Ferullo was born in New Jersey and studied at Rutgers and the University of South Carolina, working with artists in the field of sculpture, painting and drawing. Influenced by abstract expressionists as well, he developed his own signature style and creative energy.

The couple met in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where Pat’s studio, just off Las Olas Boulevard, was a hub for classes in drawing, painting, live model open studios and many gatherings of local artists.
Moving to Saluda in 1987, the creative couple built their rustic home on a ridge overlooking Brushy Ridge and Hogback Mountain.
Dom, a member of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild, made original mountain furniture from trees on the property and created award-winning mixed media/collage in his studio.
Pat did drafting and rendering for Holland Brady, Architect, for about six years before returning to her studio to create award-winning painting and drawing work exhibited throughout the United States.
In addition to making art, the couple grew their own fruits and vegetables in a large organic garden and orchard and kept bees for honey.
“Dom and I both receive our inspiration from nature, interpreted through a visceral connection with the natural world, and expressed in our personal choice of media,” said Pat Ferullo, adding that they have had a wonderful life living in harmony with nature.
While in Saluda, they joined Tryon Painters and Sculptors and served on the board of the Upstairs Gallery.
They decided to relocate to be closer to the art community in Tryon in 2000 and moved to a home on Warrior Drive that had separate work studios and a brightly lit area where they conducted workshops and classes in drawing, painting, and mixed media. About five years later, they sold everything and moved to a small fishing village on the coast of Southern Italy.
“For about two years, we enjoyed the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea and wonderful food, while we painted sunsets and made new friends,” says Ferullo.
Returning to Tryon three years ago, they bought a small cottage in downtown Tryon with a large, walkout basement that they converted into their own working studios. Just last year, they remodeled and divided the large walk-in basement studio into two separate studios, separated by a 20’x20’ classroom/gallery, thus creating a classroom space to offer their workshops that is separate from the studios so as not to disrupt their own work in progress. The classroom space also easily converts to an intimate and inviting gallery by arranging tables and sculpture stands as needed.
“For now, we are displaying our own paintings, sculpture and mixed media works. Our plan is to hold exhibitions of other artists’ work as well as inviting others to hold workshops,” said Ferullo.
Pat currently leads an ongoing weekly class in expressive watercolor every Thursday from 2 – 4 p.m., followed by an open studio from 4 – 5 p.m. for those who would like to paint in a well-lit, creative atmosphere with critique and advice if desired.
They also plan to open their gallery during the Tryon Gallery Stroll, and, beginning in February, will offer additional studies by guest artists.
For more information, call 828-859-3177, email patdomferul@yahoo.com or visit www.carolinagalleryart.com.