Press release from Yancey County Tourism:
The artistic talent found throughout the Toe River Valley is on display once again for the Toe River Studio Tour, Dec. 2-4.
More than 80 artists throughout Yancey and Mitchell counties will open their doors for the three-day event sponsored by the Toe River Arts Council. Nine local galleries also participate. Works will be available for purchase just in time for Christmas gifts.
The Toe River Valley is known for its diversity of artists, many attracted to the area by nearby Penland School of Crafts. The studio tour includes glassblowers, weavers, quilters, painters, basket makers, blacksmiths, sculptors and potters.
Two participants are new to the tour. Debra Carpenter creates paintings using oil on canvas, and Deborah Louis is the first writer to participate.
“What sets this area apart is that each artist is one-of-a-kind,” says Denise Cook, executive director of the Toe River Arts Council. “The artists of the Toe River Valley don’t conform to one particular style.”
The artists draw inspiration from their Blue Ridge Mountain surroundings. Several roads on the route are among the region’s most scenic. Small towns along the way include Burnsville, Bakersville, Penland, Spruce Pine, Micaville, Loafer’s Glory and Celo.
“The people who create here are some of the top in their field, and many times they move here because of the natural beauty,” Cook says
The self-guided tour is free. Printed guidebooks will be available at both Toe River Arts Council galleries, located in Burnsville and Spruce Pine, as well as participating studios and local businesses. The booklet contains a studio listing, maps and a brief description and photo of each person’s work. The guide is also available to download online at www.ToeRiverArts.org.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 4. An opening reception takes place at the Spruce Pine gallery on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information about the tour, visit the Toe River Arts Council website or call (828) 682-7215.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, the town of Burnsville will hold its Christmas Parade on Main Street at 3 p.m. For more information about Burnsville, including lodging options, visit www.ExploreBurnsville.com or call (828) 682-7413.
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