Tryon Fine Arts Center has a plethora of programs regularly enjoyed by many in our community and beyond. The variety and quality of performers reflect our diverse audience and is supported in part by sponsorship, ticket sales and grants.

 

Keeping the selection of high interest and quality depends on additional support from the community through the Annual Fund. A campaign for this essential support is currently underway. A gift to this crucial portion of TFAC’s annual budget can be directed towards individual program areas or to the general budget.

 

In addition to our Main Stage touring performers and education programs, TFAC staff and volunteers work together to present a variety of programs for the community.

 

Exhibits: There are eight exhibits each year focusing on local history and local arts and artists. These exhibits have grown in popularity and in 2015 had over 2,000 visitors in Gallery I.

 

Recent themes have included “Preserving African American Art in the Foothills,” inspired by Polk County native and collector John Wilkins; “Showcase of Excellence,” a juried art show for area high school students in its third year of inspiring the next generation of artists; Life Magazine photographer Hansel Mieth’s “Through A Brilliant Lens” featuring photos she took of Tryon in 1939 graciously arranged and loaned by Chris Bartol; “Wonders in Wood,” celebrating furniture and woodcarvings of area artisans inspired by the Tryon Toymaker Founders; and “Philip Dusenbury Retrospective” featuring the art and humor of one of Tryon’s famous and favorite sons.

 

There are exhibits planned for the coming months including “The 1956 Olympic Equestrian Team” which trained in Tryon at Harmon Field, an exhibit on the history of hand weaving in this area, and the interwoven “Trio” in which artists and composers create new works inspired by original pieces of literature. Thousands of locals, students and visitors come through these exhibits each year.

 

The Peterson Amphitheater: It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful site for an intimate outdoor concert than the Peterson Amphitheater facing the mountains and soaking up the evening breezes. Now in its fourth season, the 150-seat amphitheater hosts multiple programs during each spring and fall consisting of a variety of great music, poetry, play readings, and storytelling.

 

The spring 2016 season beginning April 28 features a variety of blues, jazz, classical and folk with artists such as Geoff Achison, Mac Arnold and A Plate Full O’ Blues, Noah Proudfoot, Jackie Marston and more. The amphitheater reflects our eclectic community through offering theater, original readings, storytelling by the campfire, opera and a wide variety of traditional music.

 

The Film Series: With much determination and creativity, the gregarious film committee puts on an eight-show season with a special theme each year and a lighthearted gala to celebrate. This year’s theme, British Comedies and Capers, has included movies such as “Waking Ned Devine,” “The Full Monty,” “A Fish Called Wanda” and others.

 

Movie night is the first Tuesday of the month, with the box office opening early for refreshments, antics and cartoons, followed by an introduction of the film by one of the film committee members.

 

The final film this season is a riotous 1949 film, “Whisky Galore,” and will feature the annual gala prior to the movie. The next season, which runs from October through May, is already being firmed up and promises to continue the fun and surprises.

 

Come see for yourself what TFAC has to offer and enjoy quality programs made available through the Annual Fund. For a full roster of TFAC’s events, visit us at 34 Melrose Avenue, online at tryonarts.org or call the Box Office at 828-859-8322.  We’d love to see you.

 

-Submitted by Susan Brady