Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) is currently conducting its annual fund drive, which provides support for operating its 315-seat theater, two galleries and classrooms, as well as providing funding for programs and shows.
A gift to the annual fund guarantees that the center will continue to bring the best in performing and visual arts to all ages in our community and beyond, according to TFAC officials.
Stuart Evans, TFAC’s vice-president of development, said she is pleased with the success of the drive thus far.
“TFAC has continued to thrive because this generous community understands how important their gifts are to the programming and operations of the center,” Evans said. “We’ve just completed a wonderful fall season of free and ticketed events that simply would not have been possible without donations from individuals.”
Here are a few of the events TFAC was able to present with help from donors in this past year:
• The Kruger Brothers, a world-renowned bluegrass group, performed one evening and gave a master class to area students the next day.
• Photography, the African-American spiritual and Handel’s “Messiah” were brought to diverse groups of all ages and interests.
• Explore the Arts, an evening lecture series in its third year, has offered a wide variety of events this fall.
• Seven young actors toured 14 schools and brought “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” to 3,500 students.   One of the principals in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” said, “The arts have a wonderful way of showing us a real purpose for education. It brings out the best in all of us.”
Ticket sales make up only a small part of TFAC’s budget, TFAC officials said.
If you would like to donate to TFAC’s annual fund, you can mail or deliver a check to 34 Melrose Avenue in Tryon or call 828-859-8322 with your credit card information.
– article submitted by Beth Child