The Next Tryon Gallery Trot in Tryon, NC, Takes Place on May 11, 2013

Join Downtown Tryon, NC, on May 11, 2013, from 5-8pm for the second monthly Tryon Gallery Trot of 2013. Galleries and business will open their doors on the second Saturday of every month through October for extended hours welcoming “Trotters” with a variety of items to peruse and purchase. Find the perfect gift for Mom while in one of the many galleries and businesses in the downtown area.

Some highlights will be:

Live music:  The Polk County High School Band will be playing in the center of town; paid for with funds from Polk County Community Foundation.

Sculpture 2013: a juried sculpture show at Tryon Fine Arts Center featuring work of sculptors throughout the Southeast. Pieces will be on display in Gallery I and the lobby as well as outdoors in the newly remodeled campus.

New View Realty: at 285 North Trade Street in Tryon will have a sampling of home brewed beers made especially for the Gallery Trots. Sip and enjoy new art work from Jim Shackelford and Linda Hudgins.

Bill the Blacksmith will be offering hands-on experience at the Saluda Forge on Ola Mae Drive above Trade Street. Bill says, “I always try to offer the opportunity to have someone experience the joy of striking hot metal for themselves.” Besides the demonstrations at the forge, the Gallery next door will have work of local artists and refreshments.

Vines and Stuff Gift Shop in Shops of Tryon on Trade Street will feature work from Little Mountain Pottery and hand-turned wood bowls by Jim Mellberg. Also enjoy samplings of gourmet treats while browsing for those last minute Mother’s Day gifts.

The Depot Room at Millard & Company at the railroad crossing in the center of town is displaying 20 years of poster design in honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Barbeque Festival just in time for the Gallery Trot on May 11th. The festival is one of our nationally known local traditions so whet your appetite by stopping by to view these posters.

Thompson Art and Garden Gallery on Palmer Street will present “The Art of Outdoor Living”. The Thompsons represent 38 local artists in the Gallery and carry Kingsley-Bate Outdoor Furniture, Pawley’s Island Hammocks and more.

Work by Richard Christian Nelson

Skyuka Fine Art on Trade Street will have a drawing to win a Charcoal Portrait by Richard Christian Nelson. Nelson, owner of Skyuka Fine Art, is an internationally recognized and award-winning portrait artist. Most recently, Nelson won 5th place in the “Portrait Society of America’s 2013 International Competition” where thousands of entries from around the world were narrowed down to 20, and then 10. Nelson has also won 1st place in the “Member’s Only Competition-Commissioned Portraits”, a “Certificate of Excellence”, and an “Honorary Mention” from the Portrait Society of America; where he has also served on their faculty. Tickets are on sale now or can be purchased the night of the Gallery Trot. There will be a second ticket drawn for a certificate of 50% off of a commissioned portrait as well. Contact Kim Nelson to buy your tickets via e-mail at (info@skyukafineart.com) or phone 828/817-3783.

Maps of all the locations on the Trot will be available in each of the Tryon area locations.

Other businesses participating in the Trot will be Terra on Trade, the Book Shelf, Ferullo Studio, Green River Gallery, 1906 Pine Crest Inn, Tryon Arts and Crafts, Tryon Painters and Sculptors, and Upstairs Artspace.

For more information e-mail to (info@skyukafineart.com).

First Tryon Gallery Trot of 2013 Takes Place Apr. 13, 2013, in Tryon, NC

Art galleries and businesses in downtown Tryon, NC, will open their doors from 5-8pm on every second Saturday beginning Apr. 13, 2013, for another season Gallery Trots. Expect a wide variety of art by some of our areas top artists, as well as unique merchandise, live music, hors d’oeuvres and liquid refreshment in a festive and fun atmosphere as visitors “trot” with friends up, down, and all around the town.  Live music, provided by a generous grant from the Polk County Community Foundation, will be located in the center of town across from the clock tower shortly after the Trot begins at each of the eight second Saturday events scheduled through Oct. 12, 2013.

April is Steeplechase Month in Tryon, so get ready for special attention to Equestrian art at these Galleries above Trade Street:
A collection of framed Blockhouse Steeplechase posters belonging to the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club will be the exhibit featured at The Depot for the first Tryon Gallery Trot of the 2013 season.  The 67th running of this prestigious race is just a week later, so come and begin to celebrate this Tryon tradition by visiting us during the trot!

In honor of Tryon’s own 67th Block House Steeplechase Race, Skyuka Fine Art in collaboration with Tryon Riding and Hunt Club, is proud to present the “Blockhouse Equestrian Art Exhibit”. This group show opens during TRHC’s kickoff community gathering one week before the race at the Gallery I at Tryon Fine Arts Center during the Trot. Numerous equestrian artists outstanding in their specialized field from around the state and nationwide have been invited to participate in this unprecedented show. Many collectors will also be sharing their prized equestrian art of their own for this special exhibit.

Some additional highlights of the Trot on Trade Street:
Vines & Stuff, located in the Shops of Tryon will be featuring work by Elaine and Claude Graves of Little Mountain Pottery.  This will be an all-new collection of redware and stoneware.  Also in the Shops of Tryon will be an assortment of beautiful and wearable art from the artisans of Tryon Arts and Crafts School.

Join New View Realty, 285 N Trade Street, to sample the first in a series of home brewed beers made especially for the Gallery TROT.  Sip and enjoy the works of Jim Shackelford and Linda Hudgins.

Skyuka Fine Art proudly presents “Paintings from Afar”. We all love to travel, and this show will take you to places both familiar to you, and places you could only dream of! This will be a group showing including the works of; Richard Christian Nelson, Michael McNamara, Bonnie Bardos, Jim Carson, William and Anne Jameson, Gary Cooley, Richard Oversmith, Linda Cheek, Dawn Whitelaw and Bill Lovett. The opening reception will be during the Tryon Gallery Trot from 5-8pm. 133 N. Trade Street.

The Book Shelf offers wine, cheese, local art, and features books by local writers.

The Upstairs Artspace presents three exhibits showcasing some of the region’s finest contemporary art, through Apr. 20. In “Here. After.”, Asheville, NC, artists Moni Hill, Alicia Armstrong, and Spencer Herr explore art’s role in the wake of tragedy. In “Southern Comfort,” photographer Ben Nixon documents the Southern landscape. In “Older than Dirt,” potters Jim Cullen, Jim Cornell, Gary Huntoon, David Zacharias, Doug Dacey, John Turner, and Claude Graves update an age-old medium. The gallery is located at 49 S. Trade St., Tryon.

Terra on Trade to host a children’s art tent painting horse shoes!

Tryon, the friendliest town in the South, is a thriving artisan community with a strong equestrian tradition and a nationally known tourism. More than fifteen businesses and organizations participate in the Trots, and many other shops open their doors for a full downtown Tryon experience.

Find Tryon Gallery Trot on Facebook or e-mail to (info@skyukafineart.com) for more info.

Tryon Downtown Development Association Host Annual Ornament Auction 2012

The Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA) in Tryon, NC, proudly hosts its annual ornament auction this 2012 Christmas season. Last year’s auction raised $800, all of which was graciously put towards the Tryon Gallery Trot’s budget for their season.

The auction will open on the evening of the TDDA sponsored Christmas stroll on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, from 5-8pm at Skyuka Fine Art. It will conclude with last minute bids and a reception on Saturday, Dec. 15. 2012, from 6-8pm with bidding ending at 7pm. Winning bidders not present will be notified. Prizes from local merchants will be awarded to artists as well.

Local artists are invited to participate by donating handmade ornaments for this auction (multiple ornaments will be graciously accepted). “Last year’s ornaments were outstanding little one-of-a-kind masterpieces” says Steve Cobb, president of the TDDA. Many of them ended up having very exciting last minute ‘hot bidding wars. The TDDA is hopeful that many artists who have participated in any of the popular Tryon Gallery Trots will consider donating ornaments.

Donation deadline for the auction will be Dec. 4, 2012. Ornaments should be signed, ready to hang and dropped off at Skyuka Fine Art located at 133 N. Trade St. in downtown Tryon. They will be hung on a rotating Christmas tree for optimal viewing. Prizes will be awarded to artists in three categories; highest money brought in by one ornament, hottest bid activity, and most creative ornament.

For more information contact Kim Nelson at Skyuka Fine Art; 828-817-3783, or e-mail to (info@skyukafineart.com).

Tryon Gallery Trot! Takes Place in Tryon, NC – Nov. 3, 2012

“Tap Into Art with the Tryon Gallery Trot!” Join us for the final Trot of the 2012 season on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, from 5-8pm. With Tryon’s inaugural Beer Fest debuting the following week, Trot participants will be tantalizing art lover’s taste buds with a bubbly preview. Craft beers, home brews, hard ciders, and seasonal flavors will be flowing for our Trotting guests. Live music will get your toes tapping with a Bluegrass trio in the center of town at St. Luke’s Plaza provided by a generous grant from the Polk County Community Foundation.

Please participate in the first ever “Trotters Derby”! Prizes will be drawn for Trotters who visit each of the 13 galleries, shops and businesses. Just start at any one of the participating locations and ask for the punch card and get punching at each location! Turn in your fully punched card (don’t worry, 10 punches will get you a drop in the bucket!) to Bill with Saluda Forge at St. Luke’s Plaza by 8:15pm sharp to be entered to win prizes donated by the Trot participants.

Enjoy a full downtown Tryon experience with many other businesses opening their doors during the Trot including a “pop-up” gallery; Tryon Arts & Crafts will be in the Shops of Tryon!, wrap up your Trot with dinner in a downtown restaurant featuring Thai, Japanese, American, Italian or Mexican cuisine.

Some highlights:

Work by Bart Lindstrom

Skyuka Fine Art – Join them for an opening reception for Bart Lindstrom’s latest exhibit; “Fall with Me” . This is a show that continues his life’s passion; exploring the human form and creating still life paintings with museum vases. This show will be featured nationally in November’s “American Art Collector” magazine. The show runs through the end of November. Come meet this nationally recognized and award winning artist, teacher, and speaker. Special seasonal beers from La’Bouteille will be served.

Millard & Company’s Depot Room – The Depot Room at Millard & Company will be hosting an exhibit of Kim Attwooll’s watercolors. Many of her paintings have been made into greeting cards. They will be available for viewing in time for the final Gallery Trot and through the holiday season. Attwooll’s images have been said to “make people happy”. She spends her time in her Tryon studio creating simple, spontaneous images, tweaking color and perfecting form.

Saluda Forge – Start off the Trot at St. Luke’s Plaza where Bill will show off his wares featuring his handmade beer openers. End your Trot by handing in your “Trotters Derby” punch card to him for entry of the Trot door prizes at 8:15pm.

The Upstairs Artspace – “Hot to Trot” The Upstairs Artspace presents “Heated Exchange: Contemporary Encaustic,” an international exhibit of encaustic art. The show was made possible with support from the Polk County Community Foundation. The exhibit features some of the nation’s most renowned encaustic artists. The work is on display through Nov. 17, 2012.

Vines & Stuff – View a collection of functional and decorative works by Little Mountain Pottery and put yourself in a festive holiday spirit with their great selection of ornaments and holiday candles.

New View Realty – Samples of 2 beers that were brewed in Tryon by local resident Joe Pullara will be offered at New View. Nearly Perfect Wee Heavy is a scotch ale made with 5 malts and 2 hops.  Where’s Morris Winter Ale was brewed with 6 malts, 6 hops plus fresh cinnamon sticks soaked in tequila. Stop by and meet Joe and learn about the art of brewing beer.

Thompson Garden Gallery and Outdoor Living – You must remember this – A kiss is still a kiss – A sigh is just a sigh – The fundamental things apply – As time goes by. Thompson Garden Gallery & Outdoor Living invites you to an Evening of Black and White Enchantment. Musical Memories of Hollywood’s greatest Black and White Movies performed by Lynda Terrell. Featured artists offering paintings, photography, sculpture, copper lighting, garden delights and more.

TP&S’s Gift Gallery

Tryon Painters & Sculptors – TP&S’s “14th Regional Juried Art Show” is on exhibit and the Gift Gallery continuously changes with many new and always affordable items. A selection of beers and wine will be offered.

Bravo Marketplace-Interior Design & Outdoor Living – Come join us and see the works of our local artists: Jim Shackelford, Linda Hudgins and Mara and Ford Smith.

The Book Shelf, Green River Gallery, Four Winds Florist, and the 1906 Pine Crest Inn will also be trotting along with great offerings and art!

Find Tryon Gallery Trot on Facebook or e-mail to (info@skyukafineart.com) for more information.

Tryon, NC, to Host Tryon Gallery Trot – Sept. 29, 2012

“Come Home to Tryon!” Tryon Gallery Trot welcomes home the town’s mascot Morris in style on Sept. 29, 2012, from 5-8pm. Morris has been missing from his prominent spot in the center of town. Having been professionally restored to his former glory he will take his post once again to watch over the Trot. Good ol’ down-home entertainment will be in the center of town at St. Luke’s Plaza, provided by a generous grant from the Polk County Community Foundation. A “Rolling Art Exhibit” car show will slide this Trot into a “home-run” with unique vintage and classic cars and motorcycles, hosted by Thompson’s on Palmer Street. Thirteen businesses and organizations participate in the Trots, and many other shops open their doors for a full downtown Tryon experience. Join us as we’ll make you feel right at home for this family friendly arts-centered event. Find Tryon Gallery Trot on Facebook or e-mail (info@skyukafineart.com) for more information.

Some highlights:

Skyuka Fine Art – Join them for an opening reception for Richard Christian Nelson’s “Recent Work”. This is a show of over thirty paintings and drawings; local landscapes and many paintings from his travels are featured, as well as still life, figurative, and portrait works from the last year. This show will be featured nationally in October’s “American Art Collector” magazine. Free copies will be available at the gallery to commemorate our town and gallery’s foray into the national art spotlight. The show runs through the end of October.

Millard & Company’s Depot Room – A group of seven Tryon Painters & Sculptors members will exhibit at the Tryon Depot Room. The “Heart of Age” show unveils the beauty of objects shrouded in the patina of aging. A reception will be held during the Trot. The show runs September 10th through mid-October and can be viewed during regular business hours.

Tryon Painters & Sculptors – Join them for an opening reception for their “14th Regional Juried Art Show”. Jurist for this show is well known artist Richard Conn. 2 and 3 dimensional work will be on exhibit and cash prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and “Most Unique 2 & 3 dimensional” pieces.  Their Gift Gallery will have new works as well!

Saluda Forge – Join Bill at the St. Luke’s Plaza as he offers “Shrimp-of-Trot”; shrimp and veggie ka-bobs cooked right on his bar-b-q for only $2 a skewer. This will be a fundraising venture to benefit future Trots. Bring your singles and come hungry! Bill will also show off his wares, featuring his handmade iron skewers.

The Book Shelf – The Book Shelf will have classically trained guitarist Zachary Thorne Allen performing. Wine & cheese will be served.

The Upstairs Artspace – With the support of the Polk County Community Foundation, The Upstairs presents “Heated Exchange,” featuring some of the nation’s most renowned and cutting-edge encaustic artists. The show, on display from Sept. 21 through Nov. 17, is curated by Reni Gower of Virginia Commonwealth University, who is one of the leading experts in the field. Encaustic, an ancient technique in which pigment is suspended in hot wax, is undergoing a meteoric resurgence in popularity.

Green River Gallery – Proudly announces the return of “Four Winds Florist” to its original shop site over 70 years ago. Join the Trot as we “welcome home” Green River Gallery’s newest and original neighbor and celebrate their arrival with an open house.

1906 Pine Crest Inn – The 1906 Pine Crest Inn welcomes ‘trotters’ to stop by and view the works of Richard Baker in our lobby and both dining rooms.  Light refreshments will be offered. Enjoy music from the piano in our lobby as well.  Autumn is a lovely time at the Inn!

Vines & Stuff – Help Vines & Stuff celebrate their 18th anniversary!  Join them for a special reception for the artists Claude and Elaine Graves.  Their work from Little Mountain Pottery will be featured.

Tryon Fine Arts Center – TFAC will show arts, crafts, and jewelry in Gallery I by the residents, graduates, and staff at CooperRiis Healing Community.  During the Trot you can view the exhibit only from 5-7pm, then buy a ticket (or visit tryonarts.org) to a fabulous one-woman show in the auditorium that starts at 7:00;  “Oldest Living Confederate Widow: Her Confession”.  This special evening will be a benefit for CooperRiis.

Thompson Garden Gallery and Outdoor Living – Join them for “Art Beyond Walls” A Rolling Art Exhibit with vintage, classic, and unique cars and motorcycles on display. This amazing car show will be held on Thompson’s property and include a People’s Choice Award.

Bravo Interior Design & New View Realty – Outdoor Living by Bravo and Bravo Interior Design is now settled in their new location at 285 N. Trade St. Join them and their neighbor, New View Realty, as they celebrate the new art hanging on the walls in both locations.  The artists they represent are Linda Hudgins, Jim Shackelford and Mara and Ford Smith.

 

 

 

Tryon Gallery Trot in Tryon, NC, Takes Place – Aug. 11, 2012, 5-8pm

The Tryon Gallery Trot in Tryon, NC, is in full swing! Thanks to a generous grant funded by the Polk County Community Foundation, we are now able to offer outdoor entertainment during many of the Trots. Many shopkeepers (non-gallery) in downtown have expressed an interest in opening their doors during our events including new business; Main Street Antiques & Collectibles! Please join us as we welcome three new businesses to the Trots, and as we affectionately embrace all things Tryon in this upcoming Trot on Aug. 11, 2012, from 5-8pm!

Some highlights:

Tryon band The Trophy Husbands will perform early in the Trot in the center of town across from the clock tower. Don’t miss this energetic local rock/folk group of artists, known for their great harmonies and unique arrangements, as they warm up our Trot and really get things started in downtown.

Work by Richard Christian Nelson

Skyuka Fine Art fully embraces its love for our hometown with a show entitled “For the Love of Tryon”. Multiple artists have produced pieces all near and dear to Tryon hearts including: Lake Lanier, downtown Tryon, Sidestreet Pizza, Hunting Country, Tryon Country Club, mountain scenes and much more. Skyuka also welcomes local fine art crafters Andy Costine, and Doug Dacey. As a special treat for our Trotters, local winery Parker-Binns will be bringing their tasting room to our gallery during the opening reception! Samples will be offered and a stunning souvenir etched glass will be offered at $5 for those who would love a full glass of their outstanding local wines.

Be sure to climb up to Gallery I at Tryon Fine Arts Center on Melrose to see Tryon’s own Morris the Horse exhibit entitled “All Morris, All the Time”.  Paintings, drawings, sculpture, and photographs of the mascot will be on display as an extension of the opening fundraising reception taking place on July 28 produced by the Save Morris Ransom Project. All proceeds benefit Morris’ restoration and return to Trade Street in historic downtown Tryon.

Bill Crowell from Saluda Forge will take a space on Trade St. showing off his wares as well as selling “Trot-dogs” as a fundraiser for our Trots. Please come hungry and grab a dog! Help support our “Trots”!

The Depot Room, housed within The Historic Tryon Depot, joins in the fun with a fresh exhibit of Richard Baker’s work. Don’t miss this beautifully restored building; a rich piece of Tryon history just up the steps of the clock tower.

Thompson’s Landscaping has added a gallery to their business and joined our Trots! Their new name is ‘Thompson Garden Gallery and Outdoor Living’. Thompson’s brings a new concept for Downtown Tryon; a place for showcasing local talent, artists and craftsmen, with a mix of items for home and garden. Everything from pet portraits to wooden quilts, casual comfy hammocks, teak furniture, a mix of the whimsical with the practical, with a showroom that is constantly changing!

Tryon Painters & Sculptors hosts an opening reception for their “Members’ Show-Painting Only”. This will be the first Trot where TPS’s gift gallery will be open; featuring members’ smaller works for sale. Regular business hours are Thursday-Saturday 11-5pm.

Work by Daniel Nevins

The Upstairs Artspace offers two colorful new shows. “Revolver” presents painter Daniel Nevins (Asheville) and turned wood/mixed media artists Dustin Farnsworth and Daniel Marinelli (Greenville), each linked by forms that turn, twist and revolve. “Marked Up” introduces Nava Lubelski (Asheville) in a solo exhibit of vibrant, kinetic mixed media wall and tabletop pieces.

Stop by Bravo Interior Design and New View Realty (next to City Hall). They will be featuring works from Jim Shackelford, Linda Page Hudgins and Mara & Ford Smith.  Enjoy the art display along with an array of munchies and refreshments including locally brewed beer.

Other Trot participants include: The Book Shelf, Green River Gallery, the 1906 Pine Crest Inn, and Vines & Stuff.

Find us on Facebook, e-mail to (info@skyukafineart.com), or visit (www.downtowntryon.org) for more information.

 

 

 

The Next Tryon Gallery Trot Takes Place in Tryon, NC – June 23, 2012

“You Gotta Have Art!” and downtown Tryon delivers! The Tryon Downtown Development Association proudly announces its next scheduled “Tryon Gallery Trot” on Saturday, June 23 2012, from 5 to 8pm. Join 11 participating galleries, businesses and restaurants for opening art receptions, music, and special events. Participating businesses are Richard Baker’s Studio, The Book Shelf, Bravo Outdoor Marketplace & Interior Design, Green River Gallery, Kathleen’s, New View Realty, The Pine Crest Inn, Skyuka Fine Art, Tryon Painters & Sculptors, Upstairs Artspace, and Vines & Stuff. Find “Tryon Gallery Trot” on Facebook, or go to (www.downtowntryon.org) for more information, or e-mail Kim Nelson at (info@skyukafineart.com).

Just a few of the scheduled events are:

Richard Baker described by many as a prolific artist, never fails to be inspired by the Western North Carolina Mountains. “The beauty that surrounds us is  perfect for my landscapes.” Baker invites his loyal patrons and art lovers to come by and see his latest new works, including, “Lake Logan”, “Full Moon on Lake Lanier”, and “Sunset Rock,” with moving skies and dancing water.  “Stop by and join in on celebrating a successful year.”

Work by Michael Bedoian

Green River Gallery will be featuring the original works of Charles Harpt. Limited edition giclees of Michael Bedoian’s celebrated bears will also be available.

Work by Joan Murphy

Tryon Painters and Sculptors to host opening reception for Joan Murphy. Murphy began her career in the field of fashion art but turned to painting full time in the early ‘70s. Her work has enjoyed ever-increasing popularity and excellent critical acceptance since that time. After many years of painting the indoor-outdoor life of California and the Mediterranean, her focus became the coastal marshes and beaches of the Southeast. Now the beautiful mountain landscape and changing seasons of North Carolina bring new inspiration.

Work by Richard Christian Nelson

Skyuka Fine Art will feature its in-house artists exclusively and showcase their newest works. Artists are: Richard Christian Nelson, Bonnie Bardos, William & Anne Jameson, Tucker Bailey, Dave Capalungan, Keith Spencer, Jim Carson, Bill Lovett, Jaye Williamson, Richard Oversmith, Linda Cheek,  and Shelia Wood-Hancock. Join us as we celebrate with a lovely reception for Skyuka’s finest! Musical entertainment provided during reception.

The 1906 Pine Crest Inn will welcome ‘Trotters’ to enjoy live music, tasty hors d’oeuvres and enjoy the artistry of Richard Baker and a new installation of works by Richard Oversmith. Discover the unexpected pleasures of Tryon’s historic Inn and celebrate the arts!

Upstairs Artspace has three exhibitions during the Trot. Evolution, space and consciousness come in the form of abstract paintings by Barbara Fisher, Ann Stoddard and Felicia van Bork in “Mind Over Matter”. In “Parallel Play”, duo Jan and Jim Kransberger exhibit figurative glass sculpture and mixed media folk art. “Funny Papers” is the third of these group shows, curated by Tryon painter Margaret Curtis and Xpress’ own Ursula Gullow. The cast is entirely from Asheville, and yes, most of the works are on paper. Julie Armbruster, Andy Herod, Kreh Mellick, Michael Ohgren, Victor Palomino, Nathanael Roney, Martha Skinner, Kirsten Stolle and Jessica White take on current socio-political issues with the humor of what else but the funny papers. For info visit (www.upstairsartspace.org).

Jay Lichty of Tryon, NC, Donated Custom Handmade Guitar to LEAF

For the third year running custom guitar builder Jay Lichty has painstakingly crafted an heirloom quality guitar and donated this treasure to the Western North Carolina based non-profit organization LEAF, for a fund-raising raffle.

LEAF is an organization established to build community and enrich lives through the arts and music, both in North Carolina and internationally. Given the tremendous success of the first guitar raffle in 2010, Lichty decided to make this donation an annual tradition. “LEAF is thrilled with the amount of money raised through the annual guitar raffle and with the generosity of both the Lichty and LEAF communities,” the LEAF staff.

The 2012 Lichty raffle guitar was crafted by Jay Lichty in his Tryon, NC, shop. Every guitar Lichty builds is a one-of-a-kind and yet what makes this instrument even more unique is the original artwork hand painted on the soundboard by acclaimed Raleigh North Carolina artist, Clark Hipolito. Luthier and artist first worked together when Mike Gossin, of top country band Gloriana, commissioned a guitar to be built by Lichty with custom artwork by Clark. The guitar exceeded all expectations and led to further projects. “My Lichty guitar is absolutely incredible! It feels beautiful to play and sounds so balanced, so phenomenal. Honestly it is the coolest guitar I have ever seen or played,” says Mike Gossin.

This year’s raffle guitar is an Indian rosewood OM-style guitar with an Engelmann spruce top. It has been featured in art exhibits that include the Birds of a Feather Art Exhibit in Wilmington, NC, and at the World of Music Exhibit at the Art Trail Gallery in Florence, SC. Retail value: $5,000.

Raffle tickets are $10 each and may be purchased online at (http://leafticketsales.org) (all online sales include a $5.99 processing fee) or via phone at 828/686-8742. Total sales are limited to 500 and the winning ticket will be drawn at the fall 2012 Lake Eden Arts Festival on October 21st (or sooner once all tickets have sold). The winner does not have to be present. 100% of the proceeds from the raffle go towards music and arts programs for youth locally and globally.

Downtown Tryon, NC, and Landrum, SC, Present Art in Bloom – A Celebration of Artful Gardens – May 11-13, 2012

A celebration of gardens and art in the Carolina foothills.  The weekend includes an opening gala for sponsors and patrons followed by tours on Saturday of five spectacular local gardens with local artist painting on site.

Downtown Tryon, NC, and Landrum, SC, will come alive and will be converted into a garden and art bazaar on Saturday with over 40 regional vendors participating.  The weekend will conclude with a special landscaping presentation and garden & art party at the Tryon Fine Arts Center.

The Art & Garden Bazaars are in partnership with local garden clubs – The Daffy Jills, The Magnolia Garden Club, The Tryon Garden Club and The Green Blades Garden Club and benefits the Tryon Fine Arts Center and ArtScapes – public art projects in the Landrum, Tryon and Columbus, NC, area.

The Events:

Friday, May 11, 2012, at 6:30pm – Opening Night Gala and Cocktail Buffet at Stone Ridge – the home of Trip Hoffman and Alan Van Wieren.

Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 9am – 5pm  (raindate Sunday May 13, 2012, from 10am – 4pm only for a downpour) – Tours of five gardens, Garden and Art Bazaar in downtown Tryon & Landrum (9am – 5pm).

Sunday, May 13, 2012, at 4pm at the Tryon Fine Arts Center – Sculpture Exhibit at Tryon Fine Arts Center, Landscape Lecture and Slideshow on Restoring Historical Gardens, Guest Speaker – Sally Spangler Barnett, Editor of Garden Club of America magazine, Board member of National Horticultural Society, Washington, DC, Garden Party

For more information: Contact the Tryon Fine Arts Center  828/859-8322.

Garden descriptions:

Carol and Bob Meeske, owners – Hidden woodlands estate gardens with spectacular mountain views.

Eleanor and Richard Hollobaugh, owners – Charming oriental entry garden designed by owners. Raised flower beds around pool with mountain views.

Stuart Evans, owner – eclectic multinational designed gardens with hillside stream, waterfall, statuary and pergola.

Rhonda and Ben King, owners – professionally designed raised vegetable garden beds with early American influence. Refreshments will be served here around their fabulous pool.

Heidi Mendez, owner – a woodland walk through mazes of hydrangeas, hostas and ferns.

Transportation by shuttle only. Shuttles will leave from Family Dollar Shopping Center on Highway 176.

Tryon Gallery Trot Takes Place in Tryon, NC, Saturday May 12, 2012

The Tryon Downtown Development Association proudly announces its next scheduled “Tryon Gallery Trot” on Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 5-8pm. Join 13 participating galleries, businesses and restaurants for opening art receptions, music, and special events. Participating businesses are Richard Baker’s Studio, The Book Shelf, Bravo Outdoor Marketplace, Bravo Interior Design, Green River Gallery, Kathleen’s, New View Realty, The Pine Crest Inn, Skyuka Fine Art, Tryon Painters & Sculptors, Upstairs Artspace, and Vines & Stuff. Tryon Fine Arts Center will join in the fun for this upcoming date only.

Just a few of the scheduled events are:

TFAC campus will be filled with the work of over 50 artists: paintings, sculpture and photography will be displayed in the Mahler Room, Gallery One, the Lobby and outside as a month long exhibition of regional artists celebrating “Art in Bloom”. TFAC will offer wine, snacks and live music during the “Trot”.

Kathleen’s Gallery will feature the art quilts of Greer artist, Beth Andrews. Andrews is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and has shown her work in quilt show all around South Carolina. She has been featured in shows in North Carolina, New Jersey, and won several awards in New Mexico. Her work will be on display through mid May.

Tryon Painters and Sculptor’s will host their “Members’ Show-Sculpture Only” opening reception. Their multi-talented members will be exhibiting their newest, never before seen creations. Also, painters and sculptors will be giving live demonstrations of their talents in front of the gallery from 11am-3pm before the “Trot”.

Work by Gary Cooley

Skyuka Fine Art hosts an opening reception for “Cooley-McNamara.” Both artists are originally from Detroit, MI, but now live in Atlanta and New York respectively. Each will be showcasing styles and imagery that will be very different for SFA, and Tryon! Both will also show their recent plein air local landscapes from their visit here. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and chat with these talented visiting artists.

Work by Carol Beth Icard

The Upstairs Artspace will be exhibiting the 34 Polk County artists who are opening their studios on May 5-6 for the “Annual Art Trek Tryon” event. Each artist will have three to four works of art in the gallery to enjoy during the “Trot”.

Vines & Stuff will be showcasing a new collection of Claude Grave’s redware, functional pottery with vibrant spring colors, from Little Mountain Pottery.

Find “Tryon Gallery Trot” on Facebook, or go to (www.downtowntryon.org) for more information, or e-mail Kim Nelson at (info@skyukafineart.com).