From June to August, Tryon Arts and Crafts enjoyed the enthusiasm and energy of its Summer Sizzler program and participants. Twenty-four students between the ages of 10 and 14 spent time learning about a variety of arts and crafts. Four one-week sessions were offered.&bsp; Several students enjoyed multiple sessions because the instructors presented new projects each week.

The students days were split into morning and afternoon craft experiences. The mornings offered lessons in fused glass with Jerry Pospisil and Kathy Hutchinson, lapidary with Wiley Gainus and Robert Orr, precious metal clay with Landen Gailey, woodturning with Jim Mellberg, ceramic tile making with Laura Linz, drawing with Rich Nelson, and wire wrap with Allison Rattarree.

After lunch students had courses in papier mch and accordion books with Nancy Heim and Mimi Pospisil, blacksmithing with George Matthews, tie dye with Christine Mariotti, drumming and storytelling with Linda Powell, painted mosaics with Kay Larch, basketry with Kathy Hutchinson, and hand painted T-shirts with Maria Mason-Freeman.

These instructors were assisted by two summer interns, Ashley Worthington and Brandi Hunt. Worthington began her senior year this fall at the Polk County Virtual Early College while Brandi began her senior year at Polk County High School.&bsp; Both girls assisted the instructors in the classroom, set up for and cleaned up after classes, and supervised the students during lunch and snack breaks.

They had real world job experiences as they learned about the importance of volunteers to a non-profit, the role of a board of directors, all while witnessing the daily activities of a craft school. Worthington and Hunt were enthusiastic, hardworking and patient when working with these creative, energetic students.&bsp; Tryon Arts and Crafts summer interns were paid through a grant from the Student Intern Program of the Polk County Community Foundation.

In addition to the Summer Sizzler program, Tryon Arts and Crafts hosted a group of students from Tryon Middle School for two weeks of afternoon arts and crafts. Their program included blacksmithing with George Matthews, painted T-shirts with Christine Mariotti, fused glass with Jerry Pospisil, woodworking with Richard McKee, pottery with Jim Cullen, and precious metal clay with Landen Gailey.&bsp; At the end of their time, executive director Laura Linz and Emily Bartlett, program director for Polk County Schools 21st Century Community Learning Centers, arranged a parents night with gallery show to display all their wonderful creations.

In addition to the instructors and summer interns, Tryon Arts and Crafts also had the following volunteers helping them: Corney Heatherly, Bonnie Dorsey, Irene Gainus, Pat Justice, Larry Vickery, Neill Bultman, and Steve Campbell.

Tryon Arts and Crafts is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide creative opportunities for everyone through education, instruction, and expression of heritage and contemporary arts and crafts in a friendly, stimulating and enriching environment.&bsp; Stop by the school anytime it is open to see the gallery, gift shop and to tour seven professionally equipped studios.

The gallery at Tryon Arts and Crafts hosts a variety of exhibits each year. Shows are typically from regional artists in a wide range of styles and media. The Heritage Gallery offers guests the opportunity to view historical arts and crafts artifacts on loan from the community. The gift shop adjoins the gallery and contains items hand crafted by local artisans. Normal business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.