May Issue 2001
Upstairs Gallery in Tryon, NC, Unveils Design for New Home
A beautiful new facility to exhibit regional art and craft is what the Upstairs Gallery will be building in Tryon, NC, this year if all goes according to schedule. The architectural firm of PBC+L of Raleigh, NC, and Asheville, NC, has completed schematic design plans for the gallery's two and a half story building at 49 S. Trade Street. "We are extremely pleased with the architect's concept," says Richard (Rick) Conn, chairman of the Upstairs building committee. "The look of the building is going to be contemporary, but it retains the flavor of historic Tryon."
Now for the hard part! The building, which was purchased for the gallery last summer by an anonymous donor, requires total renovation before it can function as an art gallery. But before construction can get underway, a great deal of money must be raised. Phase I of the project will cost $250,000 which will "make over" the front of the building and the Trade Street floor. At this point the Upstairs can move in and resume operations. Phase II, for another $250,000, will complete the renovation of the rest of the building. A third phase would add a three-story elevator.
A list of features planned for the new facility are: 2 1/2 floors and 3600 sq. ft. of space; central connecting staircase; 60% increase in exhibition space; intimate galleries; performing arts space; retail shop; dramatic skylight; handicapped-accessible bathrooms; sheltered entryway; excellent location (in Uptown Tryon); restored facade with modern glass; kitchen; and fire escape.
"When the gallery began in 1976, I doubt that anyone dreamed it would become an 'establishment' gallery for contemporary art," says Nancy Holmes, president of the gallery's Board of Directors. Indeed, the non-profit gallery, which is operated entirely by volunteers, has been a significant cultural organization in Tryon for 24 years, offering programs as stimulating and diverse as art itself.
Jim Rash heads the capital campaign called "Art at the Heart of Tryon." He and his fund-raising committee are talking to potential donors, corporations and foundations. "Our first contribution was an incredible $50,000 grant award from the Polk County Community Foundation," says Rash. "They value the gallery's mission and believe the new building will set the standard for Tryon's downtown revitalization."
Rash's committee also plans to raise $100,000 for an Upstairs endowment fund.
Individuals and organizations who are interested in learning more about the "Art at the Heart of Tryon" capital campaign may telephone Jim Rash at 828/859-2259 or e-mail him at (jrash@alltel.net).
On June 2, a benefit gala will take place from 6 to 10pm. The last great party in the present gallery will mark the end of one era and the beginning of a new era for the gallery when it moves uptown.
The benefit gala is a fund-raiser to help raise money for the gallery's new building. Tickets for the party are $45 per person and can be purchased by calling 828/859-2828. Black tie or vintage clothing is encouraged, in order to complement the concurrent exhibit, "Tryon Artists, 1892 to 1942: The First Fifty Years", which will be on view May 18 through June 23.
Party plans include a buffet catered by Pat Strother of Impeccable Tastes, a live jazz combo, dancing from Sunset to moonrise, and entertaining parlor games typical of the 1920s and 1930s. In addition, a winning raffle ticket for a "Delicious, Delightful, Decadent Weekend" at the Pine Crest Inn will be drawn that evening.
Raffle tickets are $5 each. The weekend at
the Pine Crest includes breakfast and a dinner (dinner is provided
by The Silver Fox Gallery), lunch at The Saluda Grade Cafe, treatments
at Essence Day Spa, $100 gift certificates from The Silver Fox
Gallery, Tryon and Heartwood Gallery, $50 gift certificate from
Vines & Stuff, and a book on American painting from The Book
Shelf. The total value of the package is approximately $1,000.
Tickets are available at the Upstairs, The Silver Fox, The Book
Shelf, in Tryon; Heartwood Gallery and ArtaCloaks, in Saluda,
NC; Photoworks, in Columbus, NC; and at Bird Mountain Market and
Landrum Antique Mall, in Landrum, SC.
Currently on view at Upstairs Gallery is the
exhibition, Turning Wood, Painting Landscapes, a major
exhibition of sculptural and functional objects in wood in combination
with landscape paintings. The exhibition is on view through May
12 and features the work of Kevin Bradley, Lon Brooks, J. Patrick
Campbell, Alan Hollar, Lissi Oland, Brad Packard, George Peterson,
Herbert Quarles, Tom Zumbach, Patti Brady, Jim Campbell, Lynne
Tanner, and Mike Williams.
For further information about the Upstairs Gallery check our NC
Institutional Gallery listings or call the gallery at 828/859-2828
or e-mail at (nholmes@alltel.net).
Mailing Address: Carolina Arts, P.O. Drawer
427, Bonneau, SC 29431
Telephone, Answering Machine and FAX: 843/825-3408
E-Mail: carolinart@aol.com
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