John Wilkins with Tryon Elementary School fourth graders during the Preserving African-American Art in the Foothills exhibit in Gallery I.

In 2015 Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) welcomed, entertained and educated over 18,000 visitors. Founded in 1968, TFAC has consistently offered a diverse range of professional and exciting productions unified by high caliber artists. Approaching our 50^th season, TFAC has become a beacon of the Foothills community’s vibrant arts scene, touching the lives of over 18,000 each year through our artistic and educational programming.

The range and quality of the visual and performing arts offered by TFAC is only possible because of the generous contributions from individuals and grants from corporations and foundations in our area and beyond.

The Annual Fund honors the founders of the arts organizations by naming levels of giving for families who have supported the arts in the Foothills for many generations. This year, TFAC has named two additional founding families whose descendants still thrive in this area – the Page family, with a new giving level “Page Producers” at $750 and the Slater Family with the Slater Society Level for gifts of $1,000 and up.

Donors may choose to have their gifts applied to individual programs such as Main Stage and Amphitheater, Films, Exhibits or Arts in Education. Any funding for a designated area received in excess of TFAC’s board approved budget for that area will be applied to the area of greatest need.

The 2016 Annual Fund campaign is underway through June 30. If you have any questions about TFAC or giving opportunities, contact Susan Brady at 828-859-8322, or by email at susan@tryonarts.org.

– Submitted by Susan Brady