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Opening reception set for May 1

 

TRYON—Tryon Arts and Crafts School recently announced a lively new exhibition celebrating Tryon’s rich tradition of toy-making craftsmanship. 

On view from Friday, May 2 through Thursday, June 26, the dual exhibition will feature painted wooden toys made circa 1915–1930s by the Tryon Toy-Makers, alongside contemporary handcrafted wooden toys by Younger Brother Woodworking, the studio of local artisan Ray Buckmaster. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. TACS will host a Toy-Maker-themed cookie raffle by Valhalla Cakes during the reception. A special talk by Julia Calhoun, the current owner of Tryon Toy Makers, will be announced soon.

Founded in 1915 by Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale, the Tryon Toy-Makers combined artistry with social enterprise, training local youth in woodworking and carving. Their charming toys and custom-carved pieces earned national acclaim, even drawing praise from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who visited their “Toy House” workshop on Howard Street.

The historic toys on view include favorites such as the “Mountain Home” diorama, dolls and furniture, whimsical animals, and the beloved horse-on-wheels, “Morris.” 

“The exhibition draws from three private collections, including works from Western North Carolina’s Mountain Heritage Center, TACS’ own collection, and numerous pieces from the renowned Tryon collector Rick Dunn, who passed away last August,” said Executive Director Will Barclift. “In addition, a set of tools that belonged to Tryon Toy Maker Lemuel Keith Grady, donated to TACS by his granddaughter Fran Grady, will be on display.”

Adding a living link to the past, Ray Buckmaster’s wooden toys, crafted in 2022–2023, showcase meticulous woodworking and a commitment to heirloom-quality craftsmanship. Proceeds from toy sales will support TACS’s mission and operations.

Event sponsors include New View Realty, Overmountain Vineyards, Nature’s Storehouse, Tryon Theatre, Biltmore Wines, and Mill Spring Farm Store. TACS operating support comes from the Polk County Community Foundation, North Carolina Arts Council, Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Anna and Nathan Flax Foundation, and Florence V. Burden Foundation.

This exhibition celebrates the enduring spirit of artistry, history, and community that defines Tryon.