Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) patrons, board members and staff Wednesday, April 10 commemorated the completion of Phase I of the center’s campus makeover with the ribbon cutting of its new 150-seat amphitheater.

TFAC Director Beth Child said the project has increased not only attractiveness of the site but ease of use for the community as well.

“This bowl has been here and used for many, many years; all we did was put this gorgeous stonework and seating in so you don’t have to sit on the grass during events like Super Saturday,” she said.

It was no small task, however, as multiple local contractors pitched in on every aspect from installing 5,700 square feet of stone walls to form the 8-foot-wide walkway, which allows for better handicap accessibility from the parking lots to the forging of unique twisted metal handrails.

Child acknowledged the vision of Rick Webel of Innocenti & Webel, who she said saw what could be done at the center to improve use for visitors and the beauty of the campus. Child also acknowledged Rebecca Barnes, who has served as president for the TFAC board, for providing the leadership necessary to see Phase I of the TFAC renovations to fruition.

Phase I of the project also included repainting the outside of the building, new lighting, the removal of three structures to open up greenspace and, of course, new landscaping.

The total price tag for the project came in at around $500,000. Child said information about Phase II of TFAC’s renovation plans will be shared in the near future.

To learn more about the project, visit www.tfacmasterplan.com or call 828-859-8322.