Tryon Arts and Crafts School will feature Ben and Beth Waddell as the August 2018 Celebrated Artists of the Month.

The Waddells’ jewelry will be on display at the school all month, with a public reception from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3, concurrently with the Enchanted Forest exhibition.

The Waddells are invested in each piece they make, down to the final touches, and relish in sharing their passion with others, they said.

“Making quality jewelry at affordable prices has been an ongoing theme. There is no greater honor than to see your handcrafted jewelry cherished by friends and acquaintances.  Spotting your work across a crowded church or civic event is like visiting with an old friend.”

As for Ben, he likes silver, copper and brass.  He loves cutting, polishing and bezel-setting stones.

Beth’s favors knotted jewelry with Irish Waxed Linen, stones and beads. She has studied and taught at TACS.  Ben’s business studies ultimately led him to own a successful accounting firm in Spartanburg, all the while, in denial of his creative ability.

Beth, a music teacher of 30 years, claimed “no logical cells in [her] brain”.

Ben started in silversmith classes, then he and  Beth tried precious stonework in lapidary classes.

Desiring to set their fine stones, they integrated metal clay practices.

Soon, they were the ones demonstrating at public events, as 4 Elizabeth LLC. People may learn more and meet the artists at the Aug. 3 reception.

– Submitted by Will Barclift