Bernard Edwards, one of Tryon Arts and Crafts School’s esteemed artisans and instructors, has been named the school’s Artist of the Month. His charming and unique wooden animal carvings are being featured during the month of December in the gallery of Tryon Arts and Crafts School at 373 Harmon Field Road. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and all pieces are for sale.

 Bernard was born and raised in Inman, S.C. and spent an idyllic childhood fishing on the Pacolet River where he developed a life-long love for wildlife. Bernard is definitely a man with a sense of humor. He attended Wofford College, where he says, “I spent the best three years of my life during my freshman year!”  

 A self-taught artist, it was on a trip to Canada with a group of duck hunters where he became entranced by the idea of making duck decoys that changed his life. He came home, read every book he could find on the topic and started making them himself with a passion. After retirement, he moved from making decoys to fish, animals (bears are a specialty), as well as pets (hound dogs are also a specialty). 

Bernard has won honorable mention in two of Tryon Arts and Crafts recent shows, their 2016 Juried Show, and the 2017 Black and White Show. And note: Bernard’s sense of humor can also extend to his creations. For example, the Old Gray Mare horse carving that he created for TACS’ Lost Loves Show in memory of a former girlfriend, and his “Cat Friendly” carving of two hounds — one with tag with a big heart with a silhouette of a cat on it (the B&W Show award winner) which is in his current display.

 Bernard also has a love for teaching and passing on his love of carving to others. He has recently taught workshops in decoy, bear and hound dog carving at TACS as well as Summer Sizzler workshops in woodworking for children.

 Aside from exhibiting at TACS, Bernard’s work may be found at the Millstone Gallery in Landrum and the Garage on 25. TACS invites you to come see the charm and artistry of Bernard’s carvings for yourself.    

Call 828-859-8323 or visit tryonartsandcrafts.org for more information.

– submitted by Cathy Fischer