TRAC's 2008 "TRAC to the Twenties" Benefit Auction bought out donated art from local artists and craftspersons, generous supporters of the Arts Council, tables full of delectables, raised hands, smiles and even a bit of musical chairs -- all with a Roaring 20's theme. Join us next August for the 2009 Auction!

Over 150 items in glass, clay, fiber, metal, paintings, photography, basketry and more will be available from the area’s top and emerging artists and craftsmen who reside in the region. The artists and their works are known, some world-reknown, for their creative, top quality and expert craftsmanship. The proceeds from the Auction benefit TRAC who serves the community in a variety of programs: school residencies and performances, twice yearly studio tours, exhibitions year-round in its two galleries, monthly music series, its own community orchestra and a whole lot more. The theme for the auction this year ties the current art scene to a pivotal and historical period of time for the arts.

The 1920s were significant for western North Carolina, a period marked by the founding of various important crafts revival and preservation movements.  Traditional arts and crafts skills from making quilt patterns to chairs, from creating pottery to ironwork were eagerly collected and documented, to be cherished and taught to coming generations in crafts centers amid rustic mountain surroundings. 

To name just a few of the more important handicrafts schools blossoming in the Roaring Twenties: Penland School (1923), John C. Campbell Folk School (1925), and Crossnore Weavers (1921).

The 1920s are also remembered as being a whole lot of fun, a giddy nationwide spree!  The era even originated its own distinctive design style in the Art Deco movement.  TRAC celebrates those heady times in this year’s art auction. 

An auction preview of the art will be on exhibit August 2 – 10 at the TRAC Center Gallery in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Open Tues – Saturday 10:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Several other weekend events are being planned in conjunction with Sunday’s Auction. Friday, August 8 kicks off the auction festivities with a performance by the local Acoustic Swing Band, who will treat their audience to a show of ‘20’s music in Spruce Pine’s historic Carolina Theatre. Showtime is 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $10.00 available at the door.

Visitors will have a chance to mingle with our artists at a “Meet the Artists Reception” on Saturday, August 9, held from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the TRAC Center Gallery in Spruce Pine. Artists donate 100% of the proceeds of the sale of their works and the party honors their generosity, for the event is the major fundraiser of the year in support of TRAC and its mission. Party organizers are encouraging all who attend to dress up in gladrags of the 20’s!

The Sunday, August 10th arts auction will be held at the Spruce Pine TRAC Center Gallery, 269 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, North Carolina. The silent auction runs from 12:00 to 1:30 pm and is followed by the live auction from 1:45 to 3:30 pm. The work of noted Toe River Valley artists such as basketmaker Billie Ruth Sudduth, glassblowers Kate Vogel & John Littleton, and clay artist Cynthia Bringle have been offered in auctions in years past.

Visitors and bidders will enjoy wonderful refreshments throughout the day as they are transported back in time to the lively 1920’s in Mitchell County. Tickets are $20.00 per person.

For more information on the art auction please contact the Toe River Arts Council at trac@toeriverarts.org.  Call us at (828) 682-7215 (Burnsville TRAC Gallery) or (828) 765-0520 (Spruce Pine TRAC Center Gallery) or visit us on the web at www.toeriverarts.org