From artist colony to thriving craft destination
Tryon Arts & Crafts School (TACS) 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.
Hands-on classes and workshops are taught in a variety of traditional and contemporary crafts, including: blacksmithing and bladesmithing, clay, jewelry and enameling, fiber arts, glass, woodworking, and welding. TACS offers elementary through early college programs throughout the year such as afterschool enrichment, field trips, in-school artist programs, and camps.
Art appreciators enjoy TACS’ gallery and exhibition spaces, Heritage Collection, and artisan retail shop.
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. The collection features animals, dolls, and tiny pieces from the original Tryon Toy Makers and Wood Carvers, as well as Cherokee artifacts, pottery, forged tools, quilts, weavings, furniture, musical instruments, and paintings.
Visitors are welcome to browse the galleries, drop by the studios, and stroll the campus, all of which are free and open to the public year-round.
For hours and other information, visit TACS’ website.
