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TRYON— Tryon Arts & Crafts School is currently hosting the Reimagine Realities Exhibition, which showcases unique market bags made by local artisan Biz Eischen. The exhibition, which runs through April 13, features 24 upcycled bags from Eischen’s Renaissance Collection, with 17 still available for purchase. 

Eischen’s creative process is as unique as her bags. She salvages all the components from landfills, turning what was once waste into imaginative works of art. Each bag, featuring designs such as wild birds, hens, rabbits, and racehorses, is a testament to her creativity and commitment to sustainability. Every bag is numbered and created specifically for TACS, making them truly one-of-a-kind. 

“My joy is the fun I have putting it all together and then seeing the sheer amazement of viewers,” said Eischen. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked, ‘How in the world did you ever dream this stuff up?!'” 

Eischen, who spent three decades in Silicon Valley as a journalist in the tech industry, relocated to Tryon after a road trip to North Carolina, where she could pursue her main interests of art, wine, and horses. After arriving, she began to look for volunteer opportunities, which introduced her to TACS and its Executive Director, Will Barclift. When the Reimagined Realities Exhibition featuring art made from recycled goods was announced, her bags were a natural fit. 

Eischen’s interest in textiles began at a young age when she would glue fabric onto cardboard to make Barbie furniture. In college, she studied art history, costume design, and sculpture, and has since designed and sewn over 100 quilts, created a series of wall hangings made from recycled coffee bean bags, and sewed and sold over 100 upcycled market bags. 

Eischen works part-time at the Upstairs Artspace as a Gallery Assistant and part-time at Mountain Brook Winery. She also volunteers at art and horse-related fundraisers and events. 

For more information on the Reimagine Realities Exhibition and the Tryon Arts & Crafts School, visit tryonartsandcraft.org.