Concentration Weeks 2026
Concentration Weeks at Tryon Arts & Crafts School (TACS)
We’re proud to offer an immersive escape into the craft of your choice. Held over 3 to 5 days, these multi-day intensives provide dedicated studio time for deep technical learning, skills-building, and creative growth — free from the interruptions of a weekly class schedule.
Led by acclaimed visiting instructors, guest artists, and master craftspeople, each hands-on workshop takes students from initial concept to a finished work of art in a collaborative, supportive setting.
Featured 2026 Studio Tracks:
- Glass Arts: Advanced and foundational techniques, including multi-day drop vessel creation and Pâte de Verre.
- Metals & Jewelry: Technical deep dives into electrochemical etching, stone setting, and custom fabrication.
- Woodworking: Time-honored skills and precision methods, such as multi-day chip carving.
- Mixed Media & Fiber: Expressive mediums including 2D/3D papermaking, machine quilting, and surface design.
Whether you are a beginner taking your first steps in a new medium or an experienced artisan refining advanced techniques, Concentration Weeks are designed to elevate your craft.
2026 Concentration Week Schedule:
Monday: Arrive at 4:30 PM for campus welcome and logistics before heading to your studio at 5:00 PM for mandatory safety orientation.
Tuesday: Core class runs 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (with coffee and pastries at 8:30 AM), followed by the evening Instructor Slide Night and refreshments at 6:00 PM.
Instructional Days (3-5 days depending on course): Standard daily rhythm featuring morning prep with coffee at 8:30 AM, class from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, and optional evening independent studio access from 6:00 PM–9:00 PM.
Saturday: Regular instructional hours wrap-up and a group studio cleanup takes place before a Student Show-and-Tell at 4:00 PM.
Lunch Details
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TACS will provide daily menus with pricing and collect pre-orders for lunch from local area restaurants Tuesday through Saturday.
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Participating in pre-ordered lunches is optional. Students are welcome to bring their own lunch or leave campus during the midday break – although, we encourage students to spend their breaks at TACS, visiting other studios, and meeting students in other disciplines.
Lodging:
- Tryon and the surrounding areas offer a variety of Airbnbs, historic inns, and vacation rentals.
- Guests are encouraged to check with the First Peak Visitors’ Center for up-to-date local lodging options and recommendations.
Protect Your Investment:
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Whether you are local or from out of town, TACS strongly advises purchasing third-party cancellation insurance through providers like Allianz, Travelex, or InsureMyTrip.
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LOCAL STUDENTS – Local students can secure coverage by insuring just the workshop tuition fee and using the school’s address as their destination. It may cost approximately $30-$50 to protect your 5-day investment.
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OUT-OF-TOWN STUDENTS – Out-of-town students should include both tuition and travel arrangements in their total insured prepaid trip costs. It may cost approximately $50-$150 to protect your 5-day trip investment.
2026 Sponsors & Contributors
