Cathy Fischer, executive director of Tryon Arts & Crafts School since August of 2015, has announced that she will retire as soon as a replacement for her position can be found. 

“Cathy has provided TACS with exceptional enthusiasm and hard work for the school,” said Gail Muir, president of the organization.  “She has put herself out in our community as a representative of our Arts and Craft School. Whereever she went, Cathy promoted our school and is a very positive representative of our mission. Cathy has lots of energy and has been very instrumental in initiating new workshops and classes with many great new instructors.”

“I have so enjoyed working with TACS’ talented staff, students, artisans, volunteers and board members,” Fischer said “But, I feel that the time has come for me to retire.  I am very proud of our accomplishments over the past 2.5 years: the innovative shows we’ve put on; the semi-monthly Crafts & Conversation series and monthly Wine & Crafts and Coffee & Crafts series; the community collaborations with Thermal Belt Outreach with Empty Bowls, and our Lil Angels ornaments programs where our students and local Polk County school children make ornaments for our Holiday Tree, which are sold to raise funds for a different Polk County nonprofit each year;  the gallery collaborations, such as with Upstairs Gallery with their Big Clay 4 Ways Show and our Little Clay One Way Show, which both opened the same night. I will miss all of that, but I intend to stay active with TACS as a volunteer.  TACS is my heart.”

Before joining TACS, Cathy was an account manager with RR Donnelley in their Direct Mail Division in New York City, where she worked with fundraising nonprofits on their direct mail campaigns. She also served as a marketing manager on three performing arts boards in the NYC area. 

TACS’ board has appointed a search committee to recruit an executive to continue the progressive management of the school.  Heading the committee is Penny Padgett of the TACS board. The committee has already begun advertising for the position, with a goal of reaching a decision by the end of March.

Individuals interested in the position may go to www.tryonartsandcrafts.org/executive-director/ for additional information.  A PDF of a resume with cover letter may be sent vial email to tryonbookshelf@gmail.com.

– Submitted by Penny Padgett