Local historian appearing as special guest for “Storytellers” closing reception

Published 2:15 pm Tuesday, June 9, 2015

I Traveled all this Way for Something by Arden B. Cone

I Traveled all this Way for Something by Arden B. Cone

The Upstairs Artspace announces a closing reception for the current exhibit “Storytellers” on Friday, June 19 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Special guest Dean Campbell, the Squire of Dark Corner, will share some Twice-Told Tales and Twice-Sung Ballads of Southern Appalachia.

“Storytellers” features work by Arden B. Cone, of Charleston; Margaret Curtis, of Tryon; Dawn Hunter, of Columbia; and Anna Jensen, of Asheville. These four artists portray visual narratives that touch on personal, social, and women’s issues, some poignant, others comic, many of them pertaining to Southern culture.

Dean Campbell, local historian, author, lecturer, and columnist for the Tryon Daily Bulletin, holds a wealth of knowledge and lore about the Dark Corner, a region spanning northern Greenville County and into the foothills of North Carolina.

Dean Campbell at Poinsett Bridge

Dean Campbell at Poinsett Bridge

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Campbell, who also runs a tour of the area, has traced his family history to 1784, when his maternal ancestors, the Bartons, arrived in the region.

“My Campbells were Johnny-come-latelys,” Campbell says. “They didn’t arrive until 1832.”

Those visiting the Upstairs gallery on the evening of June 19 will enjoy refreshments, the Squire’s storytelling, and a last peek at the “Storytellers” exhibition. After a night of local lore and thought-provoking art, head over to Rogers Park for the Summer Tracks concert series, featuring the soulful tunes of The Deluge.

The event is 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 South Trade Street, Tryon, N.C. For more information about all of the galleries exhibits and programs, call 828-859-2828 during gallery hours, or visit www.upstairsartspace.org.

For more information on Dean Campbell, find him online at squireofdarkcorner.com.

– Submitted by Lorna Festa