The Upstairs Artspace’s Literary Open Stage continues its 2015 season on Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. This spoken word event takes place on the second Friday of every month.

Established and emerging writers are invited to share their work, including original fiction or nonfiction in the form of prose, poetry, or memoir writing. Writers who would like to participate in the event should arrive at 6:30 p.m. to sign up for a slot. Readings should not exceed 10 minutes.

The Open Stage has grown with the expansion of the literary population in the foothills of North Carolina. Previously a quarterly event, the Upstairs now hosts local writers on a monthly basis.

All are welcome to join us at the gallery for an evening of entertaining storytelling from the diverse voices of our community. Writers’ work previously read at this event ranges from poignant to comical, realism to the fantastical.

The Literary Open Stage on Friday will be a great precursor to Saturday’s opening reception for a new exhibition, “Storytellers,” featuring figurative paintings by artists Arden B. Cone, Margaret Curtis, Dawn Hunter and Anna Jensen. The reception on May 9 will be preceded by a Walk and Talk with the artists at 4 p.m. These women reveal visual narratives through their paintings, and their work will be on display through June 19.

Both events are free and open to the public. Donations are welcome and all proceeds go to the Upstairs, a nonprofit organization. The Upstairs Artspace is located at 49 S. Trade St., Tryon. For more information about all of the gallery’s exhibits and programs, call 828-859-2828 during gallery hours, or visit www.upstairsartspace.org.

– Submitted by Lorna Festa