Over a year ago, Tryon Painters and Sculptors lost one of its favorite instructors.  Bill Ryan was an excellent oil painter, watercolorist, and art instructor at our gallery who passed away after a long illness.  Because Bill was so beloved by his students, fellow Saluda residents and others, an endowment fund was set up in Bill’s memory. Thanks to the efforts of Olivia Broody and the donations of many kind souls, the endowment grew to over $13,000, which was earmarked for special workshops and classes to be held at Tryon Painters and Sculptors Gallery. With the memory of Bill Ryan still with us all the endowment was named in his honor and announced to Bill’s partner, Jim Boyle of Ryan-Boyle Antiques last December.
The first workshop using the endowment funds is scheduled to take place in Tryon on May 1st through May 3rd.  Our special guest instructor is Michael White, a nationally known pastel painter as well as a cartoonist and illustrator and an instructor at the Ringling School of Art in Florida.  Tryon Painters and Sculptors is excited to offer workshop participants the opportunity to learn from this unique, creative, and joyful man.   Michael’s large landscapes in this delicate pastel medium are dramatic explosions of color and light and represent locales all over the world and the United States.  His paintings will also be featured in a one-person show at the Tryon Painters and Sculptors Gallery June 14th through July 12th.
Pastels are a challenging media and few have been as successful in creating the contrasts and detail as well as Michael does in his landscapes.  We are so fortunate that he has the free time to come to Tryon for a few days to share his talent with everyone.  After the workshop which will be held on Thursday, May 1 through Saturday, May 3, Michael will do a free demonstration of his skill at an Art, Wine, and Cheese presentation scheduled for Sunday afternoon, May 4th from 1 to 4 pm at the Tryon Painters and Sculptors Gallery. The public is invited to meet Michael and watch him “perform his magic” as an artist.
The pastel workshop is designed for all ages and all talent levels. Michael’s inviting personality and friendly approach to teaching will insure that everyone not only has a good experience but they also advance their skills notably.
Michael will be emphasizing landscape images and students can bring their own references from which to work.  A materials list will be sent to registrants upon signing up for the workshop. Those interested in taking the Michael White Passionate Pastel Landscapes Workshop should contact Christine Mariotti at 828-859-8392. You can also visit Tryon Painters & Sculptors gallery and studios at 26 Maple Street in downtown Tryon or their web site at www.tryonpaintersandsculptors.com.
– article submitted
by John Patterson