Build Holiday Memories with Local Art & Storytelling

What do you do with a house full of family when the turkey has been eaten? This weekend take the opportunity to share some quality time enjoying the local family friendly arts events. Last weekend's opening at the Upstairs Artspace on Trade Street was such a success that I felt like I spent more time talking to people than seeing what was on display. I plan to make a trip back so I can get a chance to see the show. On the main floor you'll find an amazing tour of Polk County and the surrounding area through the photography of Carolyn Ashburn, Mara Smith, and Elaine Pearsons in the 3 Women/3 Cameras exhibit. There's even a section of smaller pictures in front that capture the faces of the area as well. Downstairs is a beautiful collection of local crafts ranging from jewelry to furniture.

If the family is enjoying looking at beautiful things, why not take a walk up Ola Mae Way to the Simply Irresistible Gallery as well. I hear they have some beautiful new papier-mâché sculpture by local folk artist Don Tyler.


Or, learn a little about traditional pottery and sculpture by taking a trip out to Little Mountain Pottery six miles from Columbus at 6372 Peniel Road for their Kiln opening at 11am on Saturday. Over a hundred items including folk sculpture, tiles, and utilitarian bowls and pitchers by Blue Ridge National Heritage "Traditional Artist" Claude Graves will be released from the fire.

In Saluda, take a moment to catch a bite at the Wildflower Café and then wander down the steps to see the newest additions of local art and crafts in Your Arts Desire Gallery.

Get away from the television and treat the family to some live entertainment. Tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30pm share "A Christmas Memory" by Truman Capote performed by Chris Tinkler at the Tryon Little Theatre Workshop on South Trade Street. This heartfelt story will put some holiday cheer not only in the hearts of your family, but also benefits Steps to HOPE and their ability to brighten the holidays for struggling families.


Saturday is also the 7th Annual FENCE Foothills Storytelling Festival. From 11am – 6pm enjoy world class storytelling for free thanks to funding from the Polk County Community Foundation's Kirby Fund. While on the road with Poetry Alive! I've been highly entertained by Wright Clarkson, StoryGuy of Charlotte at school literary festivals. His use of simple costumes and exotic musical instruments add just a touch of spectacle to complete his interactive adventures in imagination. Connie Regan-Blake of Asheville was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Storytelling Conference for her amazing dedication to the art of storytelling. According to the National Storytelling association, she is a "master storyteller who sets the standards of excellence in the storytelling field." Her repertoire ranges from Appalachian tales to true life adventures that capture the hearts of her listeners. The event also includes performances by local favorites Lance Smith, Gwenda Ledbetter, Poetic Justice, and Carolie Bartol. So, plan to enjoy a relaxing day of entertainment that will keep even the little ones spellbound.

Saturday evening offers a variety of music for those longing to get their toes a tapping. In Saluda the Purple Onion welcomes Sharon LaMotte & Bill Gerhardt. Need to groove on the dance floor? From 8-11pm dance off that extra piece of pumpkin pie with FreeWay South over at the Saluda Mountain Jamboree. Tryon offers the sweet music of Jan & Barney at the Gallery Coffeehouse from 8-10pm or take the stage yourself with Karaoke at Elmo's .