On a crisp, chilly evening in December, a crowd gathered quietly outside Ryan Boyle Antique shop in Saluda.

Since it was the night of the annual Christmas Stroll, Main Street filled with shoppers as Christmas music wafted through the air and merchants offered up cookies and punch. The growing crowd at Ryan Boyle gathered for another purpose. They waited in anticipation of a heartfelt surprise for owner Jim Boyle.

Boyle’s partner of 40 years, Bill Ryan, passed away in February 2013. An accomplished, award-winning local watercolor and oil artist, Ryan was also a teacher at Tryon Painters and Sculptors (TPS). Following Ryan’s passing, over dinner one evening, Boyle commented to friend, Olivia Broody, “Bill’s heart was always at Tryon Painters and Sculptors.”

An energetic, outgoing woman, Broody took Boyle’s comment and turned it into an idea to honor Ryan’s memory. Unbeknownst to Boyle, Broody contacted Tryon Painters and Sculptors, proposing an endowment in the name of Ryan to bring in accomplished art instructors from around the country. Broody then set out, in secret, to raise funds. On this evening, friends and donors of The Bill Ryan endowment, as well as directors from Tryon Painters and Sculptors, gathered to unveil Broody’s secret endeavor to Boyle.

Opening the door, Broody ushered the crowd into the warmth of the shop. As patrons and friends found places to stand among the china and furniture, paintings and adornment, Broody and Tryon Painters and Sculptors directors collected around the Christmas tree with a surprised Boyle. Unsure of what was occurring, Boyle smiled as he searched the faces.

Barely able to close the door, everyone finally squeezed into the shop, quieting as Broody, who raised more than $13,000, announced the endowment.

TPS President Grace Lertora presented a letter to Boyle on behalf of TPS. As a look of understanding and gratitude spread across Boyle’s face, the room seemed to become brighter and warmer as feelings of goodwill ignited the well-wishers. Ryan was present in the hearts and minds of the people that night and would have been honored.

Donations to The Bill Ryan Endowment are being accepted at Tryon Painters and Sculptors, P.O. Box 384, Tryon, N.C., 28782. Tryon Painters and Sculptors is a 501C(3) non-profit organization whose goal is to arrange for competent instruction in the arts of painting, graphics, sculpture and related arts to its members and the general public.

For more information visit www.tryonpaintersandsculptors.com.

– article submitted
by Kathy Merlino