Westside Mixers: Community, Craft, and Culture

 

Join us at Tryon Arts & Crafts School for the Westside Mixers—a series of free “friendraisers” celebrating the vibrant spirit of our mountain community. Set against the backdrop of Harmon Field and the Pacolet River, these festivals are the perfect way to spend a Friday evening with friends, family, and local artisans.

 

Experience the Magic of Craft

 

Our mixers are more than just a party; they are an open invitation to explore the world of fine craft. During these events, the campus comes alive with:

 

  • Live Demonstrations: Witness professional artisans in action, showcasing techniques in blacksmithing, pottery, woodworking, and more.

  • Youth Art Corner: Free, hands-on craft projects for children, ensuring the next generation of makers gets a head start. Youth crafts are generously sponsored by the Polk County Community Foundation. 

  • Gallery Access: Explore the TACS Gallery and our Heritage Collection after hours to see world-class work from regional artists.

 

The Westside Mixer series is proudly sponsored by Duke Energy’s America250 Grant and New View Realty.

 

Season Kickoff: Open House & Instructor Showcase

 

📅 Friday, May 15, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Celebrate the start of the season with our special Open House Mixer! This event coincides with the opening of the Instructors’ Gallery Showcase, featuring the high-caliber work of the faculty who lead our workshops and camps.

 

  • Open Studios: Step inside our professional workspaces to meet the artists and see where the magic happens.

  • Live Music: We are thrilled to host The Burnett Sisters Band on the TACS stage. Known for their breathtaking harmonies and mastery of bluegrass, old-time, and folk traditions, they provide the perfect soundtrack for an evening on the lawn.

  • Empty Bowls Pottery Throwdown: A crowd favorite returns! Watch as local potters compete in high-energy challenges to create handcrafted bowls. This high-spirited event serves as a creative prelude to the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser hosted by Thermal Belt Outreach, helping to raise awareness and support for neighbors facing food insecurity in our community. 

 

 

Food, Drink & Fun

No mixer is complete without local flavors. Enjoy a rotating selection of:

 

  • 🍔 TACS Grill: Grab some fresh “Grub off the TACS Grill,” featuring cookout favorites.

  • 🍺 Craft Beverages: Local beer, Biltmore wines, and refreshing non-alcoholic options.

  • 🎯 Lawn Games: Fun for all ages under the shade of our campus trees.

 

 

Plan Your Visit

 

  • Admission: FREE and open to the public.

  • What to Bring: Lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and your dancing shoes.

  • Pets: We are a dog-friendly campus! Please keep your furry friends on a leash.

  • Location: Tryon Arts & Crafts School, 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon, NC.

 

Come for the craft, stay for the music, and leave with a sense of community. We’ll see you on the Westside!