The Upstairs Artspace is devoting this December to celebrating 40 years of bringing fine contemporary art to the Carolinas.

For the rest of this week, the public is encouraged to visit the gallery for two reasons.

One is to enjoy an exhibit of art that is also a silent auction, the proceeds of which go toward programming in 2019. Final bids are placed at 5 p.m. this Friday.

There is a bonus for high bidders in the form of prizes. The highest bidder receives a gift certificate from the Gallery at Flat Rock, second-highest bidder a gift certificate from Heartwood Gallery, and third-highest bidder a free membership at the Upstairs.

The other reason to drop by the gallery is to see an exhibit of photographs and other memorabilia assembled from Upstairs’ archives, which tells the story of the small-town Tryon gallery. It is a trip down memory lane that will have viewers smiling, perhaps shedding a tear, but above all, feeling proud, gallery representatives said.

The gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through this Friday.

Upstairs Artspace is funded in part by the Polk County Community Foundation and the Mary F. Kessler Fund.

Those interested in learning more may call 828-859-2828 or visit upstairsartspace.org.

– Submitted by Upstairs Artspace