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The award-winning Darren Nicholson band performs. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Ray Buckmaster will be leading an upcoming class on making plant holders. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Kids make their own fused glass magnets. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Kids make their own fused glass magnets. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Instructor John O’Rourke shows off how to cut glass. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Wendy West will be teaching an upcoming course on stained glass. (Photo by Storme Smith)

TRYON—On August 9, Tryon Arts & Crafts School held the second of its three Westside Mixers for 2024, spotlighting the theme of wood and glass. 

The mixer provided a range of activities, including demonstrations and showcasing the creation of fused glass magnets. Attendees interacted with various instructors and were able to sign up for upcoming classes. One notable display featured Cynthia Carden and Mike Hancock from Spartanburg, who promoted their future courses in pyrography and wood-turning, which are scheduled for early November. 

The Darren Nicholson Band, led by their namesake, a Grammy and 13-time International Bluegrass Award winner, kicked everything off. The band entertained the crowd with a selection of originals and classics played in their signature energetic style, which mixes folk, bluegrass, gospel, and swing. 

“The mixer is a wonderful way for the community to come together with the arts and for people to connect with the instructors and see the different courses that are offered,” said attendee Cynthia Carden. Mike Hancock also shared his enthusiasm, saying, “This is my first time visiting, and it’s really impressive. I’m looking forward to teaching classes here in the near future.”

The event featured sign-ups for various classes, including Basics of Woodworking and Beginning to Intermediate Stained Glass, taught by Ray Buckmaster and Wendy West, respectively. Attendees had the opportunity to admire stained glass pieces created by Stephanie Marlowe, a student of Wendy West, showcasing works made in a TACS classroom.

Amidst the festivities, the successful TACS Yard Sale was extended, offering items at a 50% discount. 

“We had a tremendous outpouring of donations from the community, which led to an unbelievably successful yard sale,” noted board member Lisa Bell. “People came out and showed their support for the school, and we really appreciate them and all the volunteers and donations that made the yard sale possible.”

The Mountain View BBQ food truck was on-site, and Mill Spring Farm Store served up samplers of heirloom tomatoes. 

The Polk County Community Foundation sponsored Youth Crafts for the event, while New View Realty serves as TACS’ Annual Sponsor. Additional event sponsors included Overmountain Vineyards, Nature’s Storehouse, Biltmore Wines, Tarps.com, Chef John Wilson, and Mill Spring Farm Store.

The final Westside Mixer is scheduled for October 4 from 6 to 9 p.m., with free admission and events open to all ages. For more information, sign up for TACS’ daily email newsletter at tryonartsandcrafts.org.

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