Recently I stepped into the shoes of master artist, Bill Ryan, to teach his Thursday morning painting class that he was no longer able to do since his illness had taken his strength, but not his desire to be with students.

I did not realize at the time that I was taking over for a teacher who had been affiliated with Tryon Painters and Sculptors and the art studio for 32 years. Imagine how many gentle directions and suggestions he must have given to his eager students during that time.

Bill died on Wednesday, Feb.  20 in Elizabeth House at Hendersonville, NC.

Born in Woodbury, N.J., Bill  became a well known artist and art teacher, he began his study of art  with his mother, an accomplished artist.  Bill graduated from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, V.A. and continued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Penn.  While working in New York City, he continued his studies at several classes and workshops at the Art Students League, as well as with several local artists. Bill moved to Charleston, S.C. in 1970 and taught art in the public school system.  While there he, along with four other teachers, created a guide to teaching art in the elementary school, which is still being used as the basis for elementary art education in South Carolina.  Bill came to Saluda in 1981 where he concentrated on watercolor and oil landscapes of the area.  Along with teaching at TPS, Bill also taught classes at Isothermal Community College and Blue Ridge Community College.  He has received awards and commendations in several East Coast shows and his art hangs in collections throughout the United States.  Bill was a partner in Ryan Boyle Antiques, Saluda, since 1980.