TACS’ annual Members’ Exhibition spotlights the artist’s transformative prowess, urging participants to reimagine discarded materials. Participants embrace the creative alchemy of recycling and upcycling, where the artist’s touch elevates remnants into artworks, transcending their origins. This show celebrates innovation, environmental consciousness, and the artist’s unique ability to breathe new life into forgotten materials.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

Joanne Alderman, Will Barclift, Lisa Bell, Jimmi Buell, Connie Brown, Don Clarke, Kay Clarke, Joe Cooper, Elizabeth Dante, Ellen Davison, Gerry Drew, Ruby Drew, Red DuMonde, David Edgar, Robin Edgar, Bernard Edwards, Biz Eischen, Landen Gailey, Madison Geer, Tony Glander, Amy Goldstien-Rice, Susie Hearn, Pam Herres, Fred Herres, Diana Jackson, Kathye Light, Becky McCall, Patti Miles-Cooner, Vickie Napoli, Merry-Beth Noble, Janet Orselli, Jerry Pospisil, Karl Schwartz, Lea Weaver, Wendy West, Hague Williams

BEST IN SHOW

David Edgar, Horseshoe Winged Spike Cricket, Welded Metal
“The local history of the Saluda grade rail line, equestrian tradition and agricultural activity are combined into the current arts and cultural activities in this piece utilizing horseshoe, railroad spike, and barn nails.”

JUROR, BRYANT HOLSENBECK

Durham-based artist Bryant Holsenbeck, featured in TACS’ 2023 exhibition “Fictions of Fauna,” crafts recycled material-based books and animal sculptures. Formerly a basket maker, she’s evolved into an environmental artist, garnering two NC Arts Council Fellowships, a Project Grant, and a NEA “Arts and Learning” Grant. Holsenbeck, an author, lived a plastic-free 2010, influencing her ongoing eco-conscious efforts.

ALSO FEATURING

Biz Eischen
“Haute Totes, From Farm to Fabulous”

“These whimsical, imaginative market bags are made from discarded feed sacks and then embellished with hay bale string and odd quilting bits. There are 24 unique, upcycled bags – each one numbered – in my Renaissance Collection, created especially for Tryon Arts & Crafts School.

By salvaging all the components, I save them from landfill and provide a new life and purpose, as well as produce an imaginative work of art.

From wild birds and hens to rabbits and racehorses, you’ll find a Haute Tote that complements your lifestyle and makes you smile.”

Bernard Dotts
“Celtic Cross with Crows” (2017)

“I made this Celtic Cross in 2017 and had it blessed on Saint Patrick’s Day in the cemetery of a Catholic Church built in 1843 for Irish immigrant gold miners. I recently added the crows at the foot of the cross as tribute to the victims of the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland after reading “Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan. The book is currently being made into a movie starring Cillian Murphy.”