The Tryon Garden Club, North Carolina’s fourth oldest garden club, is celebrating its 85th anniversary by combining its love of Pearson’s Falls—purchased by the club in 1931 and now in the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Gardens and Polk County’s number one tourist attraction—and its pride in the abundance of talented local artists eager to reveal the beauty of the falls.

The club invited artists of all disciplines in Polk County and Landrum to participate in “Four Seasons of Creativity Inspired by Pearson’s Falls,” encouraging them to enjoy the glen between September 2012, and July 2013, for inspiration in this unique first-time event.

The result will culminate in an exhibition of selected work to be judged by Frank Thomson, curator of art at the Asheville Museum of Art. A silent auction of the artwork will be held during the event at the Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) on Aug.  10 from 6-9 p.m. Beginning Aug. 6, the art will be available for viewing every day from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Gallery II at TFAC.

The Tryon Garden Club is partnering with the artists who will set the minimum price for their work,  which they will receive if sold, and any amount bid over that price will be donated to the club.

The club’s proceeds will fund “Learning to Grow … Growing to Learn,” a special program for the four Polk County schools’ second grade classes. Polk County High School’s Occupational Class will assist the younger students with the vegetable and herb gardens to help fulfill the Tryon Garden Club’s mission to educate members of the community.

Sponsorships will also aid in funding the student program. Sponsors include Tryon Federal Bank, Millard & Company, Polk County Chamber of Commerce, Beth and Digit Laughridge, Jane and Jim Templeton, Kathy and Jim Wright, Linda and Andy Haynes, Carol and Bob Meeske, and ExpressIT.

Attendees of the Aug. 10 event are asked to donate at the door (or prior to the event by calling 864-415-9791). The celebratory event includes food, drinks and dancing, with music by the Trophy Husbands and Daryl Ryce.

– article submitted by Susan McNabb