Tryon Elementary School recently hosted artist-in-residence John Thomas Fowler, a celebrated storyteller, old-time musician and radio host from Boiling Springs
Fowler, the author of Trotting Sally: The Roots and Legacy of a Folk Hero, shared his artistry with students as part of a program funded by the Polk County Community Foundation Don and Peggy Lyons Fund.
Fowler’s visit was facilitated through the Chapman Cultural Center’s Muse Machine program, which provides professional performances in music, theater and dance to schools across Spartanburg County, South Carolina and beyond. This initiative aims to introduce students to diverse art forms while offering them a glimpse into the lives of professional artists.
The Muse Machine program, which serves 25 Title I schools among others, also supports educators through its Summer Institute for Teachers. This annual professional development opportunity includes STEAM and arts integration training, allowing teachers to earn graduate credit. Polk County Schools, a new member of the Muse Machine and a Kennedy Center Partner in Education, benefits from these resources alongside the in-school performances.
Fowler’s storytelling and music inspired Tryon Elementary students, furthering the program’s mission to enhance arts education and foster creative engagement in schools.
