The creative team of Karoline and John O’Rourke, one of Tryon Arts and Crafts School’s esteemed artisans and instructors, have been named the school’s Artists of the Month. Their beautiful pottery and fused glass creations are being featured during the month of January 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 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It was the art of craft that brought Karoline and John O’Rourke together when Karoline needed “an extra pair of hands” when she was teaching an art class at the Sterling School, and they have been working together in the field of pottery and fused glass ever since.     

Both John’s father and grandfather were stone artisans and their work can still be found in the Carolinas and throughout the East. A self-taught glass artist, John’s keen approach is geared toward his creative cutting techniques. From crafting warm glass chess boards to pictorial designs, the process is his ultimate focus and delight.

Karoline has had a love affair with art since she was a young girl, initially working in the medium of pottery. Her fascination lies with the unexpected swirls revealed in a glaze, halos formed and the fluid relaxation of materials after a stint in the firing chamber which are all part of the mystery of kiln fired art.

Karoline says that creating with heat allows her to explore the physical tolerances of materials used as well as applying age-old techniques to glass and clay. She is influenced by organic forms and loves the ever changing possibilities created with each kiln load.

Aside from teaching classes and workshops at TACS, both are busy facilitating glass, clay and mosaics workshops, collaborative art projects and artist residencies at museums (Greenville County, Anderson County), schools, expos (such as workshops at the Glass Craft Bead Expo in Las Vegas) and art centers throughout the country. When not on the road, they are home in their studio, Kakilaki StudioArts, in Greenville, S.C.

For more information about the school, please contact the office at 828-859-8323 or visit our website, www.TryonArtsandCrafts.org.

– submitted by Cathy Fischer