Tryon Arts & Crafts School announces September Artist of the Month, Keith Berner. Visit TACS to see the display of Keith’s contemporary metal sculptures through Monday, September 30.

Keith has a long-standing interest in metal working and was able to pursue his passion at Haywood Community College, where he received a diploma in Jewelry and Metals and a Certificate in Hand Wrought Metal. 

Keith’s trips to the junk yard for materials and inspiration always end up with him bringing more home than he took to recycle.  He is on a hunt for unusual pieces of metal. Keith looks at the pieces that catch his eye and wonders about what each one can become.  In this way he finds tiny components to create areas of interest in his work or large pieces to serve as the basis for a composition.

Keith’s initial experience with Tryon Arts & Crafts School began several years ago when he took a class in blacksmithing with George Matthews. “I like the frequent exhibits that TACS has, that both challenge the artist to participate and provide a reason for the public to come see a new exhibit.”

In general, Keith enjoys beauty in functional pieces.  His lamps, candleholders and birdbaths add an interesting industrial feeling to everyday items.  Creating new, contemporary pieces out of discarded materials is very satisfying to him as an artist.

For more information about the school, please contact the office at (828) 859.8323 or visit our website, www.TryonArtsandCrafts.org.

 

Hanna O’Brien