For the month of May, Bob Neely will be the featured artist at Thompson’s Garden Gallery. When you stop by to see

Neely’s diverse works, you’ll find that Erin and Cory Thompson are bringing their own energy to downtown Tryon.

Their gallery showcases 44 local artists and craftsmen among a mix of whimsical and practical items for home and garden.

Neely is one of the more experimental artists who lives in Tryon. He paints, he sculpts and he takes found objects and produces jewelry or items for the home and garden. Recently, he has created garden chimes out of wine bottles and a line of jewelry fashioned from coins.

His creative process takes place in almost every part of his house and yard. Sketchbooks are strategically located to record new ideas.

“My goal is to create pieces that challenge my skills and captivate the viewer. My paintings use color, geometry and pointillism (a 20″x24″ painting may contain more than 20,000 individual dots.),” Neely said. “Often, my sculptures are made of Portland cement, a medium that is extremely durable. I find making the molds as exciting as seeing the finished piece for the first time.”

“My favorite question from an observer of my work is, ‘Are you crazy or are you just going crazy?’ The answer to that question is best answered by the eyes of the beholder.”

Thompson’s Garden Gallery is located at 83 Palmer Street, behind Stott’s Ford and around the corner from Green River Frame Shop, Skyuka Fine Art and Tryon Painters and Sculptors galleries. Spring – summer hours are Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

– article submitted by Mara Smith