Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Exhibition open through June 26

 

TRYON—The May 1 opening reception for The Tryon Toy-Makers: Selections from Three Collections and Handcrafted Wooden Toys by Younger Brother Woodworking at Tryon Arts & Crafts School was a delightful occasion, drawing many enthusiastic attendees. 

Guests enjoyed a first look at the arrangement of charming historical painted wooden toys from the Tryon Toy-Makers (circa 1915-1930s), thoughtfully juxtaposed with the contemporary craft of Ray Buckmaster. The Toy-Maker exhibition not only showcases selections from three esteemed collections – the Estate of Rick Dunn, Western Carolina University, and Tryon Arts & Crafts School – but also incorporates historical text, imagery, and ephemera, offering a rich understanding of this cherished toy-making tradition. This legacy, after all, gave birth to the town’s beloved mascot, Morris the Horse, and significantly shaped Tryon’s enduring creative spirit.

The success of this exhibition is a testament to the dedication of many individuals, including Dr. Lili Corbus, whose extensive research, writing, and curating brought this vision to life; Lauren Escobedo, who led installation and co-curated; and Chloe Kaylor, TACS’s new Operations Manager, who fabricated new, secure display vitrines that beautifully frame the exhibited toys and will be an asset to TACS’s future gallery exhibitions.

Those interested in delving deeper into the history of the Toy-Makers won’t want to miss the forthcoming gallery walk by Julia Calhoun, owner and operator of Tryon Toymakers since 2015, on Thursday, May 29, at 6 p.m. Complimentary light refreshments will be provided by TACS. 

The exhibition will remain open to the general public during regular business hours through June 26. Purchases of Younger Brother Woodworking toys directly benefit TACS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Citizens of Polk County and surrounding areas are encouraged to experience this wonderful celebration of craftsmanship and local heritage.

Read more about the exhibition, contributing parties, and sponsors at tryonartsandcrafts.org/toymakers-exhibit.

 

Submitted by Will Barclift