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Kathleen Carson, the founder and owner of Hand Painted Tiles, spun off Kiln on the Hill in June 2002. Located on a hilltop in Tryon, North Carolina, this eclectic studio provides an opportunity for children and adults to paint their own designs on affordable pieces of bisque pottery and tile. Trained at Sarasota's famed Ringling School of Art and New York's Art Students League, Kathleen has generated an atmosphere at Kiln on the Hill that encourages people to play with their imaginations, color, line—and create art!
In addition to Kiln on the Hill, Kathleen manages her successful twelve-year-old custom-order tile business, Hand Painted Tiles, and a new gallery carrying the work of regional artisans, Simply Irresistible! In August 2002, Kathleen's husband, Bill Crowell, moved his black smithing operation to the same hilltop overlooking downtown Tryon. Saluda Forge, Kiln on the Hill, Hand Painted Tiles, and Simply Irresistible! are forming a must-see destination for both tourists and nearby residents.
In a short time, Kiln on the Hill has established itself in the community, becoming a member of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce and conducting workshops for non-profit organizations such as FENCE (Foothills Equestrian & Nature Center). The kiln can provide space or donate items, including gift certificates, to fundraisers for local non-profit organizations. For more information about fundraising at the kiln, contact Kathleen at (828) 859-8316 or handpaintedtiles@charter.net.