Community members invited to participate in free collage workshops with professional artists

“For such a small community, the foothills are an incredibly diverse place,” said community member John Wilkins. “Now more than ever, it’s important to focus on the things that bring us together.”

Wilkins is working with Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC), arts organizations and community leaders to create a visible representation of unity within the foothills region. With financial support from a Community Matters Grant from the Polk County Community Foundation, The UNITY Project invites citizens—from students to seniors—to create artworks that capture both individual and collective visions of unity.

The UNITY Project provides opportunities for local artists of all skill levels to work together through a series of three public workshops.

Workshops led by artist Eric McRay will be held at TFAC on Friday, March 31 at 4:30 p.m., and at Isothermal Community College on Saturday, April 1 at 10 a.m. Artist Annette Wells will lead a session at Landrum Library on Saturday, April 8 at 10 a.m.

Participants will use text, paper, paints, copies of photographs and fiber based materials to create a multilayered collage on an individual 12 by 12 canvas that represents the participant’s idea and experiences of a unified community.

Basic materials are provided: canvas, paint, glue, and paper. To create unique works of art, participants should bring their own newsprint, fabrics or personal items to include in the panel.

At the completion of the workshops, the 200 panels will be part of a one-of-a-kind exhibit starting Sunday, May 7 at TFAC. Participants may take their panels home after the month-long exhibit.

“I don’t believe anything like this has ever been done on this scale,” said Wilkins. “It’s something that is truly unique to Polk County and Landrum, and something all the participants can be proud of.”

There is no cost to participate in The UNITY Project, but attendance is strictly limited to 25 per workshop. Advanced registration is required by visiting tryonarts.org/unity-project.

The UNITY Project is supported by the Community Matters Grant from the Polk County Community Foundation.

– article submitted by The UNITY Project