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December Issue 2008

Upstairs Artspace in Tryon, NC, Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The Upstairs Artspace in Tryon, NC, is celebrating three decades of bringing contemporary art to the Carolinas with a blockbuster exhibit, String of Pearls: 30 Years of Upstairs Art. Featuring approximately 180 artists and over 300 works, the show is a fitting tribute to an arts organization that is committed to artistic excellence, experimentation and education. The exhibit continues through Dec. 27, 2008.

The extraordinary exhibit includes paintings, prints, drawings, etchings, photographs, ceramic and glass art, woodturned objects, textiles, metalwork, books and jewelry. No piece of art measures more than 24 inches in any direction.

"This explosion of art is a great opportunity to experience some of the best art of our time," says Sally McPherson, Upstairs' president.

Most artists are from the Southeast, but several hail from other parts of the country. All are donating a generous portion of sales to help the nonprofit gallery.

Founded in 1978 by young artist Craig Pleasants in his Tryon home, the Upstairs was known from the outset as a welcoming place for artists whose work wasn't always saleable. Early on there was a lot of conceptual and performance art, plus experimental film and poetry. Today's offerings tend to be more mainstream, although the Upstairs remains one of the few galleries in the region to regularly schedule installations, sculpture, photography and non-functional craft.

The Upstairs has occupied five locations in Tryon, but since 2004, the gallery has operated in an ultra-modern, 4600-square foot space where three exhibits can occur simultaneously.

For further information check our NC Institutional Gallery listings, call the gallery at 828/859-2828 or visit (www.upstairsartspace.org).


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