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TRYON—On July 26, Mirrorball Gallery, located at 84 Pacolet St., hosted an exclusive first-look event featuring some of the most spectacular artwork that will be available at the upcoming 39th annual Penland School of Craft’s benefit auction in August.

The event, attended by art enthusiasts and supporters of the local arts community, was a success, showcasing the passion for contemporary and modern art of the gallery’s founders, Alexander Page and E. Vincent Martinez. 

Martinez, a member of Penland’s board of trustees, expressed his and Page’s excitement and honor at presenting the exclusive preview.

“We are very excited and extremely honored to present FIRST LOOK—it’s your exclusive preview of some of the incredible works from the upcoming 39th annual Penland School of Craft’s benefit auction,” said Page and Martinez in a social media post. “We curated 33 works from weaving, glass, metals, iron, ceramics, wood, paper, books, printmaking, and photography.” 

The exhibition, FIRST LOOK, will run through August 11, allowing art enthusiasts to have a sneak peek at the incredible works that will be offered at the upcoming auction.

In addition to Mirrorball Gallery’s event, Tryon Arts and Crafts School will be hosting a Penland-connected exhibition. It will open on August 23 with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. and run until October 18. The exhibition will feature the works of Bayard Wootten, a prolific North Carolina photographer and entrepreneur from the first half of the 20th century. 

Bayard Wootten’s photography collection includes captivating images of artists, classrooms, and landscapes at Penland School of Crafts, making it a fitting addition to the art scene in Tryon. The exhibition will feature a selection of Penland photos, along with 20 photos of craftspeople, workers, and landscapes of Tryon, as well as other photos from Western North Carolina.

Art enthusiasts and the local community can look forward to an exciting lineup of art events in Tryon in the coming weeks, celebrating the region’s rich artistic heritage.