Pilar Pace, Clara Rogers, Tina Durbin and Chuck Mattern have lived, worked, and made art in Tryon for many years. 

 

Pilar Pace, born in Madrid, has been a resident of Tryon since 1979. She is inspired by the Spanish influences of Picasso, Miro and her favorite, the architect Gaudi. Her abstract paintings capture the vibrant colors and bold organic and geometric shapes of her muses. She is also inspired by hiking in the WNC mountains. Why does abstract form appeal to Pilar? She wants to create an emotional response from the viewers so they can connect to her art. To her, abstract painting represents “no rules or constraints on the fiery nature that lives within us all”.  

 

Clara Rogers believes everyone has an artist within their spirit. The trick is to discover where your artistic talents lie. As an elementary teacher at Tryon Elementary School for the last 34 years, she has guided students to find and develop their talents. Her favorite elements are color and line. Her artwork runs across the spectrum from realistic to abstract, with her favorite mediums being oil, acrylics and pastels. She enjoys doing landscapes to capture the beauty of the glorious mountains around us. Her abstract paintings begin with color on canvas that takes on a life of its own; art magic! Clara believes that art is a pathway to celebrate life. She hopes her art will bring joy and inspiration to others.  

 

Tina Durbin has always lived in the Carolinas. She is a missionary to Jamaica. Her inspiration for making art is children’s art, nature, buildings, her own imagination and her relationship with God. Art is therapy to her, and a form of worship. 

 

Chuck Mattern says “After spending my entire life in the sign business, retirement has allowed me the freedom to do my own thing. Right from the beginning, my aim was to produce color balance along with surprising color combinations. The use of various textures helps to produce depth and movement.” 

 

The Depot Room is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be a reception on Friday, May 24 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

 

For more information call 828-817-3784. 

By Rich Nelson