The public is invited Saturday, June 7 at 4 p.m. at the Tryon Fine Arts Center for a program given by nationally known tapestry artist and longtime Tryon resident Ron Mosseller to celebrate the publication of his new book, “Funny Things Happen When I Look the Other Way.”
The book includes a large number of anecdotes chronicling his family history, beginning in the early 1700s with his direct ancestor, Col. Ambrose Mills, a major figure in Polk County’s history and builder of the iconic “Seven Hearths” now located at the juncture of Harmon Field Road and Highway 176.
The book also covers the fascinating history of the Mills-Mosseller Rug Studio founded by Ron’s mother, Lillian Mills Mosseller, who moved with her children to Hew York in the 1930’s where Ron’s adventure in the arts began.
An artist and artisan of exceptional talent, he studied at the Art Students’ League in New York. He remains the country’s only formal tapestry and rug maker whose works are wrought entirely by hand.
His creations, “fine paintings in wool,” reminiscent of Aubusson and Savonnerie, are in scores of prominent American homes and are in the permanent collections of, among others, the Smithsonian Institution, the Virginia and North Carolina Governors’ Mansions and the Williamsburg Inn at Colonial Williamsburg. Mr. Mosseller also works in watercolor and pen & ink and his new book is illustrated with a number of his whimsical pen & ink drawings Beloved for his marvelous humor, his work with the Friendship Council, and his numerous roles on stage, he remains a resident of Tryon.
This program is the second in a series of programs and exhibits entitled “Local Treasures” that began with Ty Martin’s exhibit, Old Ironsides & the War of 1812, that ran in March and April. A number of other programs and exhibits are planned continuing this theme. Mosseller will be signing copies of his book following the program.
For more information, call 828-859-8322 or visit www.tryonarts.org .

– Article written
by Julia Calhoun Williams