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TRYON–Tryon Arts and Crafts School is offering a Painting on Silk Workshop with instructor Jamie Kirkell on June 28 and 29. 

The workshop is designed for beginners or seasoned artists interested in exploring silk painting. Participants will learn design techniques and how to use colors to create stunning silk scarves. Kirkell, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, discovered his interest in textile arts while serving with the Peace Corps in the Philippines, taking a class in Indonesia from a teacher now considered a national treasure.

“At some point during my time there, I connected to textile art, traditional design, traditional cultures, and religion,” Kirkell says. “All these things came to affect me all at once.”

Kirkell, now of Sarasota, Fla., discovered Tryon Arts and Crafts School when looking for teaching opportunities in North Carolina. 

“I always wanted to teach in North Carolina and did some research, and that’s how I found TACS,” he says. “The Town of Tryon and the school both got my attention. And I’ve enjoyed teaching in such a wonderful art center. Tryon is a magnificent community, and I’ve truly been impressed with TACS director Will Barclift.”

He has now been teaching silk painting for several years at Tryon Arts and Crafts School, 

“Those that take my class will learn how to design on a textile. They will learn how to use colors, with a teaching technique that can be a future foundation for designing art in general, he says. “This class is perfect for people with no artistic background and interested in learning a new craft. And it’s fun to paint on silk.” 

The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both days, costing $210 for members and $240 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $65 will be payable to the instructor at the time of the workshop. Those interested in the workshop can check out the things to bring list on the TACS website tryonartsandcrafts.org.