Tryon Arts and Crafts School is a regional center for arts and crafts in the Appalachian Foothills. The school was established in 1960 as a key part of the grassroots movement that led to the development of Tryon as an artists’ colony.
Classes
Hands-on classes and workshops are taught in a variety of traditional and contemporary crafts, including pottery, jewelry, weaving and fiber arts, blacksmithing, glass, lapidary, woodworking and more by renowned artisan instructors. In July and August there is a Summer Sizzler Youth Art Camp Program, where children learn eight or more different crafts each week.
Exhibition Gallery
To promote and celebrate the extraordinary artisans and craftspersons in the area, TACS hosts regular exhibitions in the Exhibition Gallery, maintains a permanent Heritage Collection, and sponsors craft festivals on the park-like grounds.
TACS opened the Heritage Collection (partially funded by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area) as a permanent installation in 2008, exhibiting over 200 artifacts native to Western North Carolina and specifically the Tryon area, some dating back to 1775. On display are animals, dolls and tiny pieces of furniture from the original Tryon Toy Makers and Wood Carvers as well as Cherokee artifacts, pottery, forged tools, quilts, weavings, furniture, musical instruments and paintings.
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop features hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind items. Visitors are welcome to browse the galleries and spend time in the studios getting to know more about the arts and crafts of this region.
This 501(c)(3) organization is supported by membership dues and donations, and members enjoy access to open studios and discounted classes.
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm
Admission Fees
Admission to the Exhibition Gallery and Heritage Collection is free, and a discount in the Gift Shop is offered to members of the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM).
Location
Tryon Arts and Crafts School is located just off of Route 26 (exit 67).
Tryon Arts and Crafts School
373 Harmon Field Road
Tryon, NC 28782
828 859 8323
www.tryonartsandcrafts.org
