For the month of July, Thompson Garden Gallery is featuring Tryon artist Betty Burdue. She has studied under various well-known artists in Michigan (where she’s from), North Carolina (where she summers) and Florida (where she winters). Through the years, she has received many ribbons and honors for her oils and watercolors.

On Saturday, July 13, Erin and Cory Thompson will host an opening reception for Burdue. It will be from 5–8 p.m., the same time as the Art Trot. Lope by and see her watercolors and notecards showing Tryon scenes and other Polk County points of interest such as local architecture, landscapes and flowers.

Burdue’s studio has been one of the locations for Art Trek Tryon. This past summer, she donated her “Save Morris” poster to help pay for the Tryon landmark’s much-needed refurbishing.

Settling in Tryon seven years ago, Burdue comments, “Wonderful artists are all over, sharing their talents and friendship. Galleries, shops and book stores are very cooperative and interested in displaying and selling our wares. It’s a very dynamic art community.”

“When I see something that interests me, such as an old barn, a mountain view, an old house or building, I take several photos of it and sketch the best view. Then, whether in my studio or in plain air, I take it from there.”

At Thompson Garden Gallery, see the works of more than 40 local artists and craftspeople among hand-picked, whimsical and practical items for the home and garden. Summer hours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

The Garden Gallery is located at 83 Palmer Street in downtown Tryon. That’s behind Stott’s Ford and around the corner from the galleries of Green River Frame Shop, Skyuka Fine Art, and Tryon Painters and Sculptors. All are stops not to be missed on the Art Trot.

-article submitted by Mara Smith