Sherry Masters of Art Connections, an ambassador of Western North Carolina’s fine-craft legacy who leads bespoke tours and administers local events for annual American Craft Week, will curate a holiday event at contemporary gallery Upstairs Artpace, located in downtown Tryon. Known for its avant-garde exhibits focused on artists in the foothills and upcountry South Carolina, the venue this season is recognizing the erudition in utility, presenting 25 prominent and emerging regional crafters (individuals and couples) working in clay, fiber, metal, wood, glass, leather, and mixed media.
“This is such a broad theme,” notes Masters in advance press, “[that] I had to narrow my focus to plan for groupings of objects that could make wonderful gifts, and would be lovely to accessorize a home.” She mentions vessels, trays, mugs, tumblers, “as well as mirrors, clocks, lamps — even a garden gate.” Jewelry and accessories (wallets, shawls, bags, and more) give the exhibit a personal touch. Well-known local names include ceramic artists Ann and Sandy Batton, Steven Forbes deSoule, and Leonid Siveriver; jewelry designers Erica Stankwytch Bailey and Kathleen Doyle & Tom Reardon; and wood artists Connie Molland and Desmond Suarez.
The exhibit runs Nov. 21-through Dec. 31. A limited-admission open house happens Saturday, Nov. 21, 12-7pm, with all social-distancing guidelines observed. For more information, call 828-859-2828 or e-mail sherry@artconnectionsnc.com.
Upstairs Artspace, 49 South Trade St., Tryon. upstairsartspace.org. 828-859-2828.