The Studio Tour event, sponsored by the Toe River Arts Council (TRAC), is held twice a year: on the second weekend in June and the first weekend in December. This weekend’s self-guided free tours offer the visitor an opportunity to search out the professional artists and craftspeople working in the coves and hollows of the two rural mountain counties. Many stops on the map will showcase more than one artist.

Art lovers create their own tours, travel at their own pace, and stop for lunch on their own schedule, with help from the TRAC Studio Guide, and arrowed Tour signs.

Over 100 artisans and galleries open their doors and invite the public. It is a rare opportunity to visit the actual workplaces. From world-class to emerging… glass blowers, potters of every description, wood turners, basket makers, printers, painters, fiber artists, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, metal workers, and more. No wonder it is known as the premier open studio tour in the country.

The Spruce Pine TRAC Gallery at 269 Oak Avenue will host a reception to “meet the artists” on Friday, November 30 from 5 to 7 pm.

Tour map guides can be picked up ahead of time or during the Tour at either TRAC galleries, the Yancey or Mitchell Chambers of Commerce, participating studios, galleries and other local businesses in Mitchell and Yancey counties, and many other regional locations.

A PDF of the tour map and guide can also be downloaded by clicking here.

For more information contact Toe River Arts Council at 828-765-0520 or 828-682-7215 or click here to visit the TRAC website.