Special education students in Ms. Colleen Stutts’ class at Campobello-Gramling School in Spartanburg District One got to experience the arts first hand during their Arts Immersion Day at Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC).

“This is the second year we’ve held this program for the class,” said Marianne Carruth, TFAC’s executive director. “They had a choice of activities—they could choose to go to Carowinds or come back for Arts Immersion Day. I’m glad that we won out!”

The seventh and eighth grade students explored a Steinway grand piano and the music of Bach with pianist Beth Child, while Chris Blalock of Joy Planet Drumming let each of the students play the djembe and learn about African drumming.

Local artist Janet Orselli led the class in making collages and ballet instructor Sonya Monts guided a creative dance session. Students also toured TFAC’s Gallery I and the “Showcase of Excellence” exhibit of fellow high school students’ work.

“Arts Immersion Days give small groups the chance to experience many different art forms in a personal way. It’s fun for them to be in this building; it makes them feel special,” Carruth explained. “It also benefits the artists, and gives them the opportunity to share with a new audience.”

Arts Immersion Days may be scheduled for groups between 10 and 60 people and feature a variety of professional performing and visual artists in TFAC’s state of the art facility. For more  information contact Marianne at 828-859-8322.

Article submitted by Michelle Fleming