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TRYON – Tryon Painters and Sculptors is well-known for its exhibit receptions and the fantastic art from members that adorn the gallery walls. The downtown nonprofit also offers an array of art classes that are available to the public and have recently announced the upcoming schedule. 

The workshops and classes are taught by highly qualified instructors and cover numerous painting styles and art forms.

The first class, “Someday I’ll Take Art,” taught by Tryon Painters and Sculptors mainstay Susan Ruby started on February 22 and focuses on drawing and painting from concept to finish.

Beginning on April 4, another long-time TPS instructor Ann Gleason, who is known for her delightful animal sculptures, will lead a class on working with clay. Gleason will showcase her hands-on approach that allows the students to envision the final product. 

New to their sculpture studio is a special workshop taught by Sarah Holmberg, a local paper mache artist specializing in equine sculpture. Holmberg’s work was shown recently at Tryon International Equestrian Center during the World Equestrian Games. Students will begin with the basics by making a wire armature and then learn techniques to add successive layers of paper mache to fill out their sculpture. 

Holmberg’s class comprises four sessions kicking off on March 21 and 23 and wrapping up on March 28 and March 30. All materials and supplies are included for the class. 

Another first occurs Saturday, March 18, with the workshop “Gel Plate Printing with Natural Elements” taught by Lori Loftus. Loftus is acclaimed for painting and printing with natural materials. The process of printing on a gel plate is a quick way for students to get started in art. All materials will be provided for the workshop.

Loftus will follow it up with a second scheduled workshop on Saturday, April 15 where she will teach the Steam Eco Print Method using leaves, flowers, and ferns. Loftus is an expert in teaching this method, where attendees will create their own one-of-a-kind silk scarf.

Vicki Van Vynckt, a popular instructor in painting with oils, will teach a 6-week class exploring landscape, abstraction, and more. She will cover drawing, composition, color mixing, and various oil techniques. Van Vynckt’s next class begins on April 6.

A workshop still in the early stages of planning will be taught by Maureen Hillaby, founder of the Hillaby Art School and Studio in Tyler, Texas, on creating art with graphite. The workshop is currently scheduled for June 7-10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holy Cross Church in Tryon. 

The gallery is located at 78 N. Trade St. in Tryon and is open from Wed-Sat 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the classes, visit tryonpaintersandsculptors.com or call (828) 859-0141.