The Upstairs Artspace invites the public to celebrate the launch of its new, expanded

website at a casual reception at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, immediately following the gallery’s annual meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m.

Volunteers led by the chairman of the gallery’s communications committee, local artist Keith Spencer, spent months working on the design and new features to be included in the site, which retains the old web address, www.upstairsartspace.org.

“The first thing you see when you go to the new home page is a splash of images reflecting the innovative art the Upstairs tries so hard to bring into our community,” said Spencer. “The aim was to make sure that the website, like the gallery, serves as a welcoming and useful resource for anyone interested in contemporary art.”

The team that put together the new site added a blog to offer periodic glimpses into the minds of artists, a calendar listing all programs and exhibits, expanded information and images from artists whose work has been displayed at the Upstairs, and e-commerce features allowing supporters to start or renew their gallery membership online.

Members of the Upstairs board will be on hand at the reception to discuss the new site, and answer questions about the process used to turn the vision for the Upstairs’ new online presence into a reality.

The gallery is located at 49 S. Trade St., Tryon. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 828-859-2828, or visit the website.

– article submitted by Harold Maass