Tryon – Arts aficionados have a chance to explore a variety of mediums in disciplines in one location during Tryon’s 4th Friday event on Friday, July 26 from 5 to 7 PM. Sponsored by the Tryon Downtown Development Association, 4th Friday takes place the fourth Friday of every month and features extended shopping hours and special entertainment in Tryon’s downtown, as well as an art walk to the many galleries that line Tryon’s Trade Street and the surrounding areas.
During the July 26 event, Tryon Fine Arts Center at 34 Melrose Avenue will host a reception and exhibit opening showcasing the work of artist Phyllis Allen Eifert. A long-time Tryon resident, Eifert worked extensively in a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, and sculpture. The exhibit at the Tryon Fine Arts Center includes a retrospective of her award-winning work, which has been exhibited extensively across the country and abroad. The reception coincides with 4th Friday from 5-7PM and includes complimentary wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
Just down the street, one of Tryon’s newest galleries will also host a reception during 4th Friday. Mirrorball Gallery at 84 Pacolet Street will host an exclusive preview event of specially selected works from the upcoming 39th annual Penland School of Craft benefit auction. The benefit auction will be held in August and generates funds for the continued operation of the Penland School of Craft. The preview event will showcase some of the available works of art as well as the new gallery space. Mirrorball Gallery opened in late June 2024 and was founded by art collectors and philanthropists Alexander Page and E. Vincent Martinez to share their passion for contemporary and modern art.
The long-running Tryon International Film Festival will also have a presence at 4th Friday, with an exhibition of artists at Carri Bass Photography and Art Studio at 158 N. Trade Street. Eleven art pieces from the film festival’s poster art contest will be on display. Earlier this year, the film festival held a contest for artists in North and South Carolina to design posters for the festival’s 10th anniversary year.
Gallery owner and film festival volunteer Carri Bass said the expanded search for artists has been a success for the festival. “This has been a delightful and fun fundraiser for the film festival and a wonderful opportunity for artists to display their talents and get great exposure,” said Bass.
The exhibition is the final opportunity to see all entrants in one place. Each of the pieces will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting the non-profit festival. In addition to complimentary drinks and food, the event also includes a raffle for a chance to win film festival passes for the October 2024 event.
Additional Tryon galleries include the Upstairs Artspace at 49 S. Trade Street and Tryon Painters and Sculptors at 78 N. Trade St. Tryon author Robin Edgar will sign copies of her latest book “In My Fathers Footsteps” at The Book Shelf new and used bookstore at 17 S. Trade St.
Other shops, restaurants, and the local movie theater will be open to welcome strolling guests. Visitors to 4th Friday are able to enjoy wine and beer in a special district along Tryon’s Trade St. At the central St. Luke’s Plaza, local trio the Rich Nelson Band will perform original rock and blues music.
“We love playing for our hometown crowd,” said founder Nelson. “Fourth Friday is a chance to see downtown come alive and meet lots of new people.”