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“Inspired by Nature: A Discussion on Art and Environmental Activism” set for Dec. 8

 

TRYON—A panel discussion focusing on the relationship between art and environmental conservation will take place at Upstairs Artspace on Sunday, December 8, at 3:30 p.m.

“Inspired by Nature: A Discussion on Art and Environmental Activism” will bring together three painters and sculptors whose work focuses on nature and a representative from a local conservation organization. Saluda artist Dale McEntire, Asheville artist William Henry Price, Rutherford County sculptor Michael Sherrill, and Katie Breckheimer of MountainTrue will join the panel to share how their art can engage viewers with environmental issues. 

“What does art have to do with environmental conservation? How does an artist’s focus on the natural world – forests, fields, rivers, mountains, flora, and fauna – help raise awareness of and appreciation for nature? Can nature-focused art be a catalyst for social change?” said Interim Gallery Manager Claire Sacshe. “Those questions and more will be the focus of the discussion.”

McEntire’s oil and pastel paintings focus on the natural world, and Upstairs Artspace is exhibiting over 60 of his paintings and sculptures through December 20. The scenes depicted in much of the work on display are of the Polk County/Landrum area, including Fish Top (of the Green River), Saluda pastures, and Saluda’s Missing 40 trail. Visit DaleMcEntire.com to learn more about his work.

William Henry Price says his abstract nature scenes are “a lifelong exploration of nature and sacred traditions.” Working in watercolor, acrylic, gouache, egg tempera and ink pen, Price’s pieces often include botanical, insect, or bird details. His naturescapes reflect sights and vibrations from his walks in nature, Tibetan and Muslim influences, and sacred geometry. Visit WilliamHenryPrice.com to see his work.

Sculptor Michael Sherrill produces delicate, intricate, incredibly detailed botanical pieces of porcelain, glass and bronze crafted using tools he specially creates from his studio complex in Bat Cave, NC. Sherrill’s work is in several public collections, including the Smithsonian’s Renwick Museum of American Craft, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Mint Museum, the Museum of Art and Design, the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Takoma Glass Museum. He formerly taught at Penland School of Craft. Visit MichaelSherrill.com to learn more.

Representing MountainTrue, a grassroots conservation organization whose mission is to champion resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge, will be Katie Breckheimer, who will share about her work in stewardship of the natural environment. MountainTrue.org has more details on its mission.

For more information,  visit upstairsartspace.org, call 828-859-2828, or email frontdesk@upstairsartspace.org. 

The event is free and open to the public. Upstairs Artspace is located at 49 S. Trade Street in downtown Tryon.