Tryon Painters & Sculptors will open their latest showcase of creative talent on Saturday, July 30. On display will be a moving collection of works by guest artists Dusty Benedict and Karen Powell, along with member artists Sharon Eng, Kathy Gagnon, Charlotte Brass and Lucy Clark. A reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. with light refreshments. With such a variety of styles and media, this show promises to be memorable and inspiring!

Dusty Benedict, a lifelong artist, has been influenced by a variety of experiences, and his work has culminated in a form of abstraction in painting that starts in the natural world, then uses newly discovered relationships in shape, color and space. Dusty’s academic achievements include a BFA and MFA from Art Center College of Design, and he has exhibited nationally from Hawaii to North Carolina.

Sculptor Karen Powell, a UNC Greensboro MFA graduate, has studied in Italy, Wales and England, and attended the Berllanderi Sculpture Workshop near Cardiff, Wales. There, she was featured on BBC television and radio for her installation at Cardiff Bay for a piece entitled, “The Voyage.” Karen held an associate teaching position at the University of Texas at Tyler for 10 years, teaching sculpture, life drawing and bronze casting. Most recently, she retired from teaching at Warren-Wilson College in Asheville and now works in her own studio in Marshall.

Self-taught artist Sharon Eng’s “representational abstract” explores texture, light, shapes and color using mixed media and photography. Lifetime artist Kathy Gagnon creates masterpieces with watercolor and oil, stressing simplicity and transparency of color. Charlotte Brass paints with oils, acrylics and inks, and explores subject matter from abstracts to finely detailed wildlife depictions. Lucy Clark’s work with hand-built pottery showcases her intention to allow the eye of the beholder to experience the movement and beauty inherent in each creation.

The Benedict-Powell show will continue through Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Tryon Painters and Sculptors Gallery at 78 N. Trade Street in downtown Tryon. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, you can visit the Gift Gallery featuring the works of over 50 local and regional artists.

For additional information about this event as well as upcoming shows, classes, workshops and demonstrations, please visit Tryon Painters & Sculptors gallery and studios in downtown Tryon or on the web at tryonpaintersandsculptors.com. Additionally, you can find Tryon Painters & Sculptors on Facebook.

– article submitted

by Robin Turner