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Bi-Annual Toe River Studio Tour Hits the High Country Dec. 6-8 with More Than 100 Artists and Galleries

by Madison V. Fisler

Dec. 5, 2013. On Dec. 6-8, more than 100 artists, galleries and craftsmen will open their doors for the bi-annual Toe River Studio Tour. This tour, which takes place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, will allow guests to view art from more than 100 different vendors. 

bernstein72The Toe River Studio Tour began in Burnsville 1992 when Paul Linquist organized a small group of 13 artists and created a studio tour complete with a map of all of the participating studios. Today, the event is held twice a year with more than 100 artists and craftsmen participating, and has become one of the most highly-anticipated events in the High Country. 

The self-guided tours begin with a “meet the artist” reception at the Spruce Pine TRAC Gallery to help plan the weekend of artistic adventure. At 7 p.m. on Friday, storyteller and musician Michael Reno Harrell will entertain guests at an exclusive concert at the Arts Resource Center above the gallery. 

On Saturday afternoon, guests are invited to the Arts Resource Center for old-time Christmas activities including making ornaments, paper chains, popcorn garlands and more, all while enjoying live music. 

This bi-annual tradition is held the first weekend in June and the first weekend in December and will remain that way for the near future, said Kate Groff, programs coordinator of the Toe River Arts Council.

Guests of the Studio Tour have a chance to enjoy the work of more than 100 artisans and galleries, which offer a wide variety of items including soaps, pottery, stoneware and so much more. For a complete list of participants, click here.  

To learn more about the Toe River Studio Tour, and about the Toe River Arts Council visit their website here.