Upstairs Artspace, Tryon’s contemporary art gallery, will host its annual 100×100 fundraiser/art exhibition starting Saturday, Dec. 14. This unique fundraiser will feature 100 local artists, each donating one piece of original artwork; each piece will then be sold for $100. In addition, 50 student works will be available for purchase at $50 each. As in recent years, artists may submit either two- or three-dimensional pieces, including paintings, wall hangings, sculptures, jewelry, photographs, pottery, and mixed media.
“This is one of our most creative and enjoyable events,” Gallery President John Walters said. “Each year, we tweak the details a little to put a new spin on how it works, but basically it’s a great way for art lovers to get notable local art at a wonderful price. Many people look forward to this for their Christmas shopping.”
The fundraiser and exhibit will kick off on Saturday, Dec. 14, with a preview showing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. That day, the Gallery will close at 3 p.m. and will reopen for a public reception, 6-7:30 p.m. Sales will begin during the reception. At that time, when an attendee comes in the door, he or she will be given one red-dot sticker, which can be used to stake a claim on a piece of art on display in the gallery. “The patron will immediately pay for that piece of art and be given another red dot to buy another piece of art for $100,” Walters said. “Things will move quickly, especially for savvy bargain hunters.”
Unlike past years, each piece of art will be identified as to which artist created it. Purchased pieces will remain in the gallery on exhibit for public viewing until the exhibit closes on Saturday, Dec. 21. Routine public viewing is free and available Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Temporarily, the Gallery will open on Tuesdays at 1 p.m.)
Some of the local artists donating art to 100×100 include Deede Cohen, Patty Wright, Cathey Stoney, Marie King, Mark Holland, Barbara Fisher, Margaret Curtis, Ann Wenz, Hague Williams, Merry-Beth Noble, and Grace Lertora. “I want to give a special spotlight to the student artists who are participating this year,” Walters said. “To have students who are willing to give of their time and talent speaks well of the next generation. Not only do they have talent, but they are cultivating what it means to participate in the health and wellbeing of the local arts community. Getting a piece of their work is like investing in the future in more ways than one.”
“This fundraiser is especially important to Upstairs Artspace,” Walters said. “Nonprofit art agencies always struggle financially, and Upstairs Artspace is no exception. Our first focus is to exhibit exceptional contemporary art, but this takes manpower and funding. A successful fundraiser will also permit some needed capital improvements, most notable, needed roof repairs. If we can reach our project goal of making $12,500 with this 100×100 fundraiser, it will be a very merry Christmas at Upstairs Artspace.”
Upstairs Artspace is located in downtown Tryon at 49 S. Trade St. It exhibits two- and three-dimensional art and craft by leading artists of the Southeast, particularly, the Carolinas, as well as artists recognized nationally and globally. It has a long-standing reputation for art that is experimental, avant-garde, and collectible. Founded in 1978, Upstairs Artspace changes exhibits every six to eight weeks. Many of the exhibits are thematic; others showcase the work of individual artists. For more information, please visit online at UpstairsArtspace.org. For the latest information, please like the gallery on Facebook.
