The Studio Tour is a showcase for local artists to feature their work, processes, and studio spaces. The Toe River Studio Tour showcases the work of 100+ artists and craftspeople across Yancey and Mitchell Counties, located about 40 miles northeast of Asheville. Drive the countryside near Mt. Mitchell to find these studios stretched from Spruce Pine to Burnsville, including Penland School - one of the top schools for art in the country. Other towns include Bakersville, Little Switzerland, Micaville, and Celo.
Toe River Art Studio Tours
See Spring and Fall Toe River Studio Tour Dates on their website.
Starting Point: Toe River Arts Gallery, 269 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine
The self-guided tour is presented by the Toe River Arts Council. Pick up a free map at the TRAC gallery in downtown Spruce Pine at 269 Oak Avenue or any of the tour studios and galleries on tour. It includes detailed directions to the studios on the tour, as well as bios on artists and their work. Since you won't have time to visit all the studios, you can get advice at the gallery about the best artists to visit to match the art you like.
The tour began in 1993 and is held twice a year, with the December tour taking on a holiday flavor. It's like a treasure hunt. You take a map and head out. There are many other places to stop along the way, including great restaurants.
Small signs erected along byways (including the Mount Mitchell Scenic Byway) and country roads keep folks on the right path, while many studios provide refreshments. Many of the artists only open their studios for this tour with unique artwork in all forms, from clay to fiber to metals to glass.
For more info, call Toe River Arts at 828-682-7215 or go to the Toe River Arts website.
Area Info
Spruce Pine
This small town offers not one but two main streets, Upper Street (Oak Avenue) and Lower Street (Locust Avenue). A must-stop is the Toe River Arts Council Gallery. Visit for many festivals and gem… read more
This small town offers not one but two main streets, Upper Street (Oak Avenue) and Lower Street (Locust Avenue). A must-stop is the Toe River Arts Council Gallery. Visit for many festivals and gem mining.
Penland School of Craft
Take a tour or sign up for a class at this internationally-known school for art and craft, tucked away in the mountains near Spruce Pine. Their multiple galleries are free to visit with amazing… read more
Take a tour or sign up for a class at this internationally-known school for art and craft, tucked away in the mountains near Spruce Pine. Their multiple galleries are free to visit with amazing works created by students and teachers.
