The Toe River Studio Tour, sponsored by Toe River Arts (TRA), is held twice a year: on the first weekend in June and the second weekend in November and has been happening here for over 25 years. These self-guided free tours offer the visitor an opportunity to search out the professional artists and craftspeople working in the coves and hollows of our 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. A TRA Studio Guide, available in early May, shows the locations of the studios and galleries on the tour along with pictures of artwork from each participant, five maps, and a special advertisers’ section that lists a few local lodging places, restaurants, special events in the area, and other local business tour supporters. The Studio Guide, along with arrowed Tour signs aid travelers in finding their destinations.

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 TRA Gallery at 269 Oak Avenue will host a reception to “meet the artists” the first Friday of the Tour.

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

For more information contact Toe River Arts at 828-765-0520 or 828-682-7215. Stop back for links to the list of participating artists and galleries, their websites, and an online map of their studios.