Folk Art to Fine Art in Polk County

This weekend offers a lovely sampling of the best the area has to offer in everything from folk to fine art. Sitting in the Gallery Coffeehouse one afternoon, I listened to a young woman explain how she'd driven here just to see what was going on at the Upstairs Artspace. As an art student the gallery had been introduced to her as one of the premier places to see quality exhibits of both traditional and contemporary fine art. Visit the Upstairs Artspace this weekend to view the collected art for their Silent Auction fundraising event. In order to keep this quality gallery thriving, highly respected local artists Dale McEntire, Linda Hudgins, Gary Kornmayer and Bonnie Bardos among other painters, collage artists, craftspeople, and clothing artists have donated their work to raise much needed funding for the Upstairs Artspace. For collectors, this is an opportunity to find some great bargains on wonderful art. The work is available for viewing at the Upstairs Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm until bidding closes at 4pm on November 10 th.

On Friday evening in Tryon you may choose the traditional folk and gospel music at the Gallery Coffeehouse for their monthly Pickin' Parlor. The Gallery Coffeehouse offers the hometown comfort of a cozy place to listen to music or join in to play or sing with talented musicians who share music in the circle for an evening starting at 7pm. However, for the classical music enthusiast, Tryon Concert Association proudly brings Carnegie Hall to Tryon and presents an evening with the finest musicians Argentina has to offer. Camerata Bariloche Chamber Orchestra has performed thousands of concerts worldwide and was awarded the Platinum Konex Prize as best chamber ensemble in the history of Argentina. Now in its 40th year, this brilliant group of nearly twenty musicians will perform at TFAC Friday evening at 8pm under the direction of Fernando Hasaj.


On Saturday, fine art and landscape aficionados should take a trip to Saluda for the Jem Littell reception at Saluda Fine Arts from 5-7pm. Professional musician, and brother, Joe Littell will provide a selection of jazz and blues for your listening pleasure while you take in the beautiful pastel landscapes and scenes of Jem's exhibit "Carolina Time."

Sunday offers folk music fans a special Songcatcher Social at Polk County Public Library in Columbus. This free program begins at 2pm in the community room and features premier autoharpist and folksinger Adam Miller. With a repertoire of over 2,500 traditional and contemporary folk songs he is a national recognized presenter of folklore and has a reputation for captivating listeners and never failing to get his audiences singing along.

After the concert join the Tryon Painters & Sculptors at the Tryon Fine Arts Center Gallery I from 3-5pm for the reception of their Members Exhibit. Painting instructors and award winning members contribute to a colorful exhibition of oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, and mixed media will include everything from landscapes and still-life to portraits and abstracts. Lalage Warrington and other sculptor members will share a collection of work ranging from fun and whimsical to practical and realistic.

Country music lovers can finish off the weekend at the Purple Onion Café in Saluda with "Zen Cowboy" Chuck Pyle. In true cowboy style he offers not only a collection of original tunes with memorable melodies, but also a good dose of old-fashioned horse sense and cowboy wisdom. The Sunday night concert series offers a limited menu to allow for a more intimate listening experience. The concert begins at 7pm and seating is limited so you may reserve tickets by calling 828-749-1179.