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TRYON—Tryon Arts and Crafts School’s Westside Mixer open house and 65th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration, held indoors on April 11 from 6-9 p.m., was a resounding success. 

Over 100 attendees, spanning all ages, enjoyed exceptional traditional bluegrass music by The Burnett Sisters Band and witnessed an engaging Empty Bowls Pro Potter Throwdown. The talented potters crafted over 215 bowls, bringing them significantly closer to their goal of 350 that will be sold as part of Outreach’s soup lunch event this fall. 

Guests flowed in and out of the various active studios where they had the opportunity to experience demonstrations in fiber arts, photography with new studio coordinator Monica Stevenson, wood with new studio coordinator Ray Buckmaster, as well as youth crafts with Lewis Rouqui supported by the Polk County Community Foundation. Chef John Wilson served wholesome fresh food bowls with meat and veggie options, and complimentary birthday cupcakes were enjoyed in celebration of TACS’ 65th anniversary – the Burnett Sisters obliged with a happy birthday song. 

The event seamlessly combined artistic demonstrations, community engagement, and progress in Outreach’s fight against food insecurity. TACS thanks the school’s corporate sponsors—New View Realty, Overmountain Vineyards, Nature’s Storehouse, Tryon Theatre, Biltmore Wines, Mill Spring Farm Store, and Monica Stevenson Photography—as well as Event Friends, Tryon Bottle, and All Good Things Bakery.

 

Submitted by Will Barclift