Stocking Stuffers on Trade Street
Last minutes shoppers may find just what they are looking for this Saturday, the 21st, thanks to Tryon Arts and Crafts. Two of the school’s jewelers, Tryon resident Ginny Frye and life long Shelby artist Sandy Dedmon will be showing an eclectic collection of hand crafted jewelry and maybe even some scarves and purses.
Sandy and Ginny started their jewelry careers just three years ago at TAC. They tackled their first projects, which involved use of the jewelry saw, with enthusiasm. Both women, horse lovers and owners, incorporated that love into their work. They still treasure those early pieces, which are among a few “not for sale” items they have made.
During the first six week series of silversmithing, Sandy and Ginny also tried a workshop with instructor Dan Haga with whom they first experienced use of the acetylene torch to anneal and solder. It was probably during this weekend that the two started to form their friendship as they laughed at each other’s attempts to use the electric buffer without sending their rings a flying and the torch without turning silver to puddles.
More silversmithing classes followed, with additional workshops introducing wire wrapping, enameling, cold connecting and forming with metal clay. Sandy took a lapidary course so that she could produce her own cabochons.
Acquisition of tools and supplies have allowed the two to work at home as well as continuing to take advantage of classes offered at TAC and the occasional use of the well appointed jewelry studio for independent creation.
Horses still crop up in their work with some regularity, and Sandy has become expert in using horse hair to fashion keepsake one of a kind bracelets and necklaces with hand forged clasps. Ginny has been producing cave-drawing type sketches of horses in copper and bronze precious metal clay under the guidance of instructor Landen Gailey. The two plan to take their work to an Arabian horse show in the new year.
So, do come on in to number 120 North Trade Street (nest to the Kyoto parking lot) on the 21st, enjoy some cookies and hot cider and find a special piece of jewelry for a loved one. And don’t miss the special Christmas shopping at TAC, 10-4 Monday through Saturday through the 24th on Harmon Field Road.
Tryon Arts and Crafts School wishes to thank John Gargiulo for donating the shop space for this special exhibit and during the Christmas Stroll on December 6th.
Submitted by Christine Mariotti