For more than a quarter century, the annual Toe River Arts Studio Tour has intrigued those who make the journey to visit places of inspiration and creation.
This year’s tour runs Nov. 11-13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. It’s a free, self-guided journey of the arts.
The art adventure through Mitchell and Yancey Counties will take visitors along the meandering Toe River, across its many bridges, around barns, acres of fields and miles of forests all while visiting the 83 talented studio artists who often take inspiration from the mountains they call home and 8 galleries featuring local and international art.
The Studio Tour provides an adventure for the intrepid seeker of the art experience. Artist studios come in many iterations—the building off to the side of the house, or across the field or down the road or right off the main road or down a gravel one-lane.
Wherever and however they are set up, the studios demonstrate the dynamic process used to create a finished piece. Every artist has their own way of telling a story, inviting visitors to ask questions, hold their work and share a moment.
The art is as diverse as the artists who create it and features the work of glassblowers, jewelers, printmakers, potters, fiber artists, ironworkers, painters, sculptors and woodworkers.
Both Chambers of Commerce in Yancey and Mitchell counties provide information on lodging, eateries and other local events. Explore Burnsville is an event sponsor.
The Fall Studio Tour Preview Exhibition opens in the Kokol Gallery, in the Toe River Arts Spruce Pine location at 269 Oak Ave. Oct. 29 through the end of December.
This exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to have a glimpse into each studio and plan their route. It’s also a great place to begin the tour or take a break from a day of non-stop art and artists. Gallery hours during the tour weekend are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Every year is unique,” said Kathryn Andree, who has been Toe River Arts exhibits coordinator for over a decade. “The artists change, and the work evolves. I’m always excited when the boxes arrive—to see a new artist’s work or the evolution of a more seasoned artist.”
The participant shows are the biggest exhibits during the year, averaging over 150 pieces on pedestals, tables, and walls, with a few bigger pieces relegated to the floor. They are the most diverse, with media ranging from two-dimensional to glass, clay, wood and fiber—something for every palate and every wallet.
The Studio Tour meet-the-artist reception is set for Friday, Nov. 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Spruce Pine location.
Guide booklets are available now and the mobile-friendly map is at toeriverstudiotour.org. For more information, call 765-0520 or visit toeriverarts.org. Toe River Arts is a non-profit organization that has been connecting the community with the arts for more than four decades.