Tryon Arts & Crafts School will hold two sessions of gingerbread house construction on Saturday, one from 9-11 a.m. and the other from noon to 2 p.m.

Decorators have the option to leave their houses to be entered in a competition judged by popular vote.

TACS welcomes those who have recovered from their Thanksgiving food-induced lethargy, but still want to get out and have daytime fun this weekend, representatives said. Gingerbread decorators pay per house, so families and groups of friends can either share or compete amongst themselves.

The decorations buffet has an assortment of sweets and treats, such as mints, gumdrops, icing, wafers, chocolates, pretzels and more. Guests’ talents are sure to range from pristine Romanesque geometry to the junkyard children’s playhouse of dreams.

The school is in full holiday mode already.

The annual Holiday Gift Show and Lil’ Angels Ornaments youth scholarship benefit are open until Dec. 22. Sales are “cash and carry,” with artists replenishing the displays with new work each week.

The large-scale graphite drawings of November Artist of the Month Linda Evans are on display this month as well.

A variety of holiday-themed workshops are being offered between now and the end of December. Offerings include silk scarf painting with Christine Mariotti, waxed linen beaded jewelry with Beth Waddell, glass ornaments with Petra Brooks and wood carving with Karl Schwartz. Ongoing classes continue in pottery, glass, wood, jewelry and fiber — blacksmithing programs return in December.

Between TACS’ workshops and the holiday show, Polk County residents will not be shy of handcrafted presents to give out this season, representatives said.

Those interested in learning more about the school may call 828-859-8323 or visit TryonArtsandCrafts.org.

– Submitted by Will Barclift