There will be an additional “Walk and Talk” on Wednesday, April 16 at 2 p.m. to view the “Old Ironsides and the War of 1812” exhibit currently installed in Tryon Fine Arts Center’s Gallery I. There will also be a screening of a 29-minute film, produced by the U.S. Department of Defense on the history of the ship.

Martin, retired naval officer and former commander of the USS Constitution, is also one of the foremost naval historians with specific emphasis on the USS Constitution. The exhibit tells the story of the design and construction of the ship, as well as the details of her successful career in the War of 1812. In the photo, Commander Ty Martin explains the important role the Constitution played in creating the nation. “Her three victories over the British Royal Navy was something that everyone from all walks of life could understand,” says Martin. “The war of 1812 brought us together as a nation,”

The “walk and talk” begins in the auditorium where the video is screened. Following the film, Commander Martin introduces the exhibit, which consists of artwork and artifacts from his personal collection. The “walk and talk” is free of charge.

The exhibit will be available for viewing Tuesdays-Fridays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. through Saturday April 19. To register for the “Walk and Talk” on Wednesday, April 16 or to schedule a special tour for a group, call 828-859-8322, ext. 213 or email marianne@tryonarts.org.

– article submitted 

by Marianne Carruth