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Tryon Fine Arts Center will celebrate the opening of its new art gallery, the JP Gallery, on July 21 at 6:30 p.m. The gallery is named in honor of the late Jeanne Parker, artist and longtime TFAC volunteer, whose generous bequest to TFAC provided the funding for TFAC to create its first professional gallery space.

 

“TFAC is a great vehicle for creative people to explore and share exciting ideas with our community. We are fortunate to have an Exhibits team with innovative concepts and the ability to make things happen,” shared TFAC’s Executive Director, Marianne Carruth. Exhibit Committee co-chairs, Monica Stevenson and Jessica Pierce curated TFAC’s first exhibit and have lined up a season of exhibits that provide rotating shows to view year-round at TFAC. “Curating the art for this show was exhilarating. There are so many genres of art within the umbrella of “skateboard art”, and each craft is as individual as the skateboard style of the maker. Skateboarders are notoriously rule breakers, and from an appreciator’s perspective, what could be more exciting!” shared Monica.

 

TFAC’s first curated show, The Skateboard: Re-purposed, opened on June 1. The exhibit includes works from North Carolina, Oregon, California, England and Germany. Seven artists are featured, including local artist Jonathan Caple, Nicholas Harding (England), Matt Mercurio, George Rocha, Michael Mauney, Paris Evans and Folk Dunker (Germany). The exhibit features skateboard art in many sizes and forms including graceful sculptures, nature art, chairs, wall art, a crocheted piece, photographs, and more. Several of the exhibit pieces are for sale, supporting both the artists and TFAC as the exhibit sponsor. 

 

The public is invited to attend the celebration of the JP Gallery on July 21 at 6:30 p.m.to view the inaugural exhibit, learn more about what’s coming next and how you can be part of the action, meet local skateboard artist Jonathan Caple and catch with old friends and meet new friends. The exhibit has been extended through August 31. 

 

TFAC’s JP Gallery is open Tuesday – Fridays from 12 – 4 p.m., on the 4th Fridays of the month from 5 – 7 p.m. and for events. To access the gallery, plan to enter through the Pavilion at the rear of TFAC. Free parking is available behind TFAC and on surrounding side streets.  For more information, call 828-859-8322 or visit www.tryonarts.org.

 

Submitted by Debra Torrence and Monica Stevenson