Tryon Fine Arts Center will hold a retrospective exhibit in honor of the late Jeanne Parker, a prolific artist and supporter of the arts in Tryon. The exhibit will open with a reception on Friday, July 17from 5 – 7 p.m.  at TFAC Gallery I, 34 Melrose Avenue. The exhibit will close Saturday, August 22at 1 p.m.

Born in Culpepper, Va. in 1918, Parker did not find herself in Tyron until 1982 where she created a private studio and framing workshop in her home in Gillette Woods. She became one of the area’s biggest supporters of the arts.

She dedicated much of her time and talent to Tryon Painters & Sculptors, including selecting artists for their gallery exhibitions, serving as president, and serving as their treasurer for many years. Parker also served as secretary on the Fine Arts Center’s executive board for 20 years, becoming secretary emerita in 2010. Jeanne’s generous donations to the Tryon Fine Arts Center have helped support local artists for years and will continue to do so for years to come.

She also generously gave her time to Lanier Library and Tryon Arts and Crafts.  In 1998, she received the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

Parker’s artistic style evolved over the years. She experimented with many media and created stunning collages and abstracts later in her life. Her work has been displayed across the U.S. and Europe and permanently resides in private collections all across the world.

Her work can also be found in the corporate collections of Citibank, First Federal Savings and Loan, R.T. French and Co., Gannett Co., Monroe Bank, Rochester Bank, Chase Lincoln First Bank, and The Joseph C. Wilson Health Center in Rochester, N.Y. in addition to Xerox Corp. in Florida and Stauffer Corp. in Toronto.

The gallery will be open to the public free of charge. The opening reception is also free of charge with refreshments served. For more information about this exhibit call the Fine Arts Center at 828-859-8322 or visit tryonarts.org.

– Submitted by Grace Marshall