Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

TRYON—The Tryon Arts and Crafts School has announced a temporary closure amid the power outage caused by the recent storm. All classes and activities are currently suspended.

All scheduled class sessions are postponed until power is fully restored. Once power is restored, TACS will work with instructors and students to reschedule sessions once operations resume.

For instructors submitting course proposals for the 2025 calendar year, TACS will offer an extended submission deadline once the school has reopened. Similarly, donors to the annual auction will also receive an extended deadline for their contributions once the school is operational again.

TACS anticipates sending the next official update once power is restored, or sooner if new developments arise. The school is committed to keeping the community informed throughout the recovery process.

The school’s main facilities sustained no significant structural damage from Tropical Storm Helene, though there may be potential damage to the ramp leading from the front parking lot to the open-air gym. In the early hours of Friday, utility trucks from the Town of Tryon – Harmon Field were washed up against the ramp.

However, the Harmon Field ground-level gym room, which was under renovation for use as a new studio rental, suffered more extensive damage. The room is currently under a foot of mud and debris, with newly constructed walls dislodged and sections of the gym mural panels protruding due to pressure from furniture and mud inside the space pushing outward.

Despite these challenges, TACS remains optimistic and grateful that the main craft school building, kiln shed, forge, and welding studio are intact. The school looks forward to serving the community once again after the recovery is complete.

Harmon Field remains closed due to hazardous conditions. TACS urges the public to refrain from visiting the park until further notice.

TACS extends its wishes for safety and comfort to all during these trying times. In the spirit of creativity, the school encourages everyone to use this time to explore artistic endeavors, even with limited resources. Whether it’s creating sculptures from recycled materials or sketching in the mud, TACS reminds everyone that art can be found anywhere.

For further updates, please sign up for TACS’ email newsletters at https://tryonartsandcrafts.org.

 

 

Submitted by Will Barclift