Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

TRYON–Tryon Arts and Crafts School will host the public opening reception and awards ceremony for the annual member exhibition this Friday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. 

The show theme, Unity, will resonate through original art entries by 30 artists, a special loaned painting by folk artist Elayne Goodman, and refreshments bringing together many local farms prepared by Twisted Fork. TACS’ side gallery will feature three potters and members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild – Meghan Bernard, Ann Gleason, and John Turner.

TACS members were invited to submit entries in the following three award categories: unity, as a principal of design; unity, as a social concept; and unity, as a collaboration between two or more artists. 

Those submitting to “unity, as a principal of design” were asked to present work with a balanced, systematic use of the elements of design, resulting in work that feels like one harmonious voice.

Those submitting to “unity, as a social concept” were challenged to consider fairness, equality, inclusivity, and belonging. They were asked, “Where do you find your sense of belonging? Do you feel a sense of unity with all of humanity? Do you feel a sense of unity through your heritage, family, religion, race, gender, sexuality, occupation, or socioeconomic standing?”

The resulting exhibit shows the talent, breadth, passion, and humor of the artists who support TACS as members.

Participating artists include Will Barclift, Jimmi Buell, Eleanor Bundy, Joe Cooper, Ellen Davison, Gerry Drew, Bernard Edwards, Madison Geer, Tari Gerst, Dan Gerst, Jonathan Gerst, Ashley Gerst, Ann Gleason, Susan Hearn, Fred Herres, Pam Herres, Melinda Holland, Ginger Hollingsworth-Cox, Diana Jackson, Will Kallberg, Judy Lindsey, Becky McCall, Susan McDade, Dale McEntire, Tom McNaney, Patti Miles-Cooner, Suzanne Monroe, Sam Oliver, Margaret Parker, Jerry Pospisil, Roe Sprouls and Priscilla Yeager.

To complement the member exhibit, TACS will feature a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln by acclaimed Mississippi folk artist and “doctor of dots” Elayne Goodman. The painting is on loan from the collection of Jon and Kerry Austin.

Food will be prepared by Twisted Fork, “a culinary storyteller dedicated to local farms and artisan value-added products.” Guests will enjoy curated small bites blending the best of seasonal foods from neighboring farms and purveyors, including the Mill Spring Farm Store. Featured local farms include Anson Mills, Deer Valley Farm Smoked Trout, Hickory Nut Gap, Looking Glass Creamery, Sandy Bee Mine Honey, the Old Mule Company, Piece O’ Cake and Tryon Mountain Farms.

 

Submitted by Will Barclift