Toe River Arts

2023 Spring Studio Tour
2023-06-02 - 2023-06-04 | NC
This driving tour 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 talented studio artists and galleries participating.
When: June 2 – 4, 2023
Where: Click to see the participating artists and galleries.

Fun Clay Faces
2023-05-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | High Country Ceramic Arts, Burnsville., 552 E U.S. Hwy 19E Bypass, Burnsville, North Carolina, 28714
We’ll work with clay slabs and drape them over molds to create fun faces and masks. Students will learn how to add facial features and decorations and paint with colorful underglaze. Class includes materials and firing. Students will pick up fired work at a later date. Ages 5+.
*Kids ages 3-5 may join if accompanied by an adult.
When: Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10 am – 12 pm
Where: High Country Ceramic Arts, Burnsville, NC
Workshop & materials fee:: $55 per participant
Register here.

Exhibition of Work by Mitchell County High School Students
2023-05-16 - 2023-06-04 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
This show provides the opportunity for students to meet other artists during the opening/closing event. It gives them experience working on personal and narrative work to present to the community. They learn to make artists’ statements, hang a show, and design invitations. The experience is always positive and allows the community to support its young visual artists.
When: May 16 – June 4, 2023
Where: Owen Gallery

Spring Studio Tour Preview Exhibition
2023-05-13 - 2023-06-04 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
The Studio Tour Preview Exhibition is an exhibition of work from artists in Mitchell and Yancey Counties who are participating in the June Studio Tour. The exhibit is in conjunction with the Annual June Studio Tour which takes place annually on the first weekend of June. This year’s studio tour weekend is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 2-4. The exhibition opens on May 13th in the Spruce Pine Kokol Gallery and will run through the tour weekend. It is an opportunity for visitors to get a preview of the artists that are on the tour and what they will be showing in their studios. We encourage visitors to come by the gallery and view this exhibition before they travel to the artists’ studios. There will be a reception on Friday, June 2, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, and is open to the public.
When: May 13 – June 4, 2023
Where: Kokol Gallery

Second Tuesday Life Drawing - May
2023-05-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
Let’s draw together! Bring your favorite drawing implements and surfaces, or use ours, and let’s spend the evening in the Toe River Arts Owen Gallery in Spruce Pine, sharing tips and tricks and improving our drawing skills. We’ll work with live-clothed models and still-life setups.
Register here.
When: Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Owen Gallery, Spruce Pine, NC
Workshop & materials fee:
$12 – Single class – General Public
$10 – Single class- Current Toe River Arts Members & Donors
$50 – 5 class punch card – General Public
$40 – 5 class punch card- Current Toe River Arts Members & Donors
$95 – 10 class punch card – General Public
$75 – 10 class punch card – Current Toe River Arts Members & Donors

16th Annual Blacksmith Exhibition Reception
2023-04-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
When: April 28, 2023, 5PM – 7PM
Where: Kokol Gallery

Earth Day Planters
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | High Country Ceramic Arts, Burnsville., 552 E U.S. Hwy 19E Bypass, Burnsville, North Carolina, 28714
Celebrate the Earth by making a textured planter for your home or garden. Students will hand-build clay pots and explore stamping and carving. Class includes materials and firing. Students will pick up fired work at a later date. Ages 5+.
When: Saturday, April 22, 2023, 10 am – 12 pm
Where: High Country Ceramic Arts, Burnsville, NC
Workshop & materials fee:: $55 per participant
Register here.

Lidded Treasure Jars with Bridget VanRemortel
2023-04-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
Join Bridget for a half-day of learning about traditional Appalachian basketry while weaving your very own lidded treasure jar basket.
“I have always loved creating with my hands in one way or another. I love to create with color and make something that is functional and useful. I enjoy being able to make something that can be used every day and fill a need.” – Bridget VanRemortel
When: April 15, 2023, 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: Toe River Arts Owen Gallery, Spruce Pine, NC
Workshop & materials fee:: $55 general public; $45 artist members & donors* (*members & donors must be current at the promotional level)
Register here.

Second Tuesday Life Drawing - April
2023-04-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
Let’s draw together! Bring your favorite drawing implements and surfaces, or use ours, and let’s spend the evening in the Toe River Arts Owen Gallery in Spruce Pine, sharing tips and tricks and improving our drawing skills. We’ll work with live-clothed models and still-life setups.
Register here.
When: Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Owen Gallery, Spruce Pine, NC
Workshop & materials fee:
$12 – Single class – General Public
$10 – Single class- Current Toe River Arts Members & Donors
$50 – 5 class punch card – General Public
$40 – 5 class punch card- Current Toe River Arts Members & Donors
$95 – 10 class punch card – General Public
$75 – 10 class punch card – Current Toe River Arts Members & Donors

16th Annual Blacksmith Exhibition
2023-03-25 - 2023-04-29 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
Featuring the work of blacksmiths from the southeast and beyond, this exhibition offers craftspeople the opportunity to show their work in a place known for its blacksmithing community. Historically, the exhibition runs in conjunction with the Fire on the Mountain Blacksmithing Festival. Spruce Pine Main Street, in collaboration with Penland School of Craft and Toe River Arts, hosts the festival every year on the last weekend in April. The public can explore vendor tents for goods for sale, observe live demonstrations, or try their hand at blacksmithing at scheduled hands-on workshops. Every year, the Fire on the Mountain Festival asks a renowned metalworker to join the festival as its Featured Artist Blacksmith. This year’s featured blacksmith is Rick Smith.
Featured demonstrators at Fire on the Mountain are Adam Atkinson, Frankie Flood, Glen Gardner, Lisa Geertsen, and Jason Knight.
There will be cash awards given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and an emerging artist award. Winners will be announced at the reception on Friday, April 28.
When: March 25 – April 29, 2023
Where: Kokol Gallery

Amazing Animals Workshop
2023-03-18 10:00 - 12:00 | High Country Ceramic Arts, Burnsville., 552 E U.S. Hwy 19E Bypass, Burnsville, North Carolina, 28714
Welcome Spring with this fun workshop focused on animals. Whether feathered, furry, or finned – we’ll explore ways to make the animals you love! Class includes all materials and firing. Ages 5+.
When: Saturday, March 18, 2023, 10 am – 12 pm
Where: High Country Ceramic Arts, Burnsville, NC
Workshop & materials fee:: $55 per participant
Register here.

Second Tuesday Life Drawing - March
2023-03-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
Let’s draw together! Bring your favorite drawing implements and surfaces, or use ours, and let’s spend the evening in the Toe River Arts Owen Gallery in Spruce Pine, sharing tips and tricks and improving our drawing skills. We’ll work with live-clothed models and still-life setups.
Register here.
When: Tuesday, March 13, 2023, 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Owen Gallery, Spruce Pine, NC
Workshop & materials fee:
$12 – Single class – General Public
$10 – Single class- Current Toe River Arts Members & Donors
$50 – 5 class punch card – General Public
$40 – 5 class punch card- Current Toe River Arts Members & Donors
$95 – 10 class punch card – General Public
$75 – 10 class punch card – Current Toe River Arts Members & Donors

Mitchell County Student Showcase Reception
2023-03-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
When: March 4, 2023, 11AM – 1PM
Where: Kokol Gallery

Creative Clay Valentines
2023-02-11 10:00 - 12:00 | High Country Ceramic Arts, Burnsville., 552 E U.S. Hwy 19E Bypass, Burnsville, North Carolina, 28714
High Country Ceramic Arts member Anna Early is offering a Clay Valentine Workshop for kids ages 6 and older. Students will learn new techniques for hand-building these small sculptures which will then be fired and returned for use. Ages 6+.
About the teacher: Anna Early enjoys working with kids of all ages as a teaching artist in Mitchell and Yancey County schools and through kids’ camps at Penland. Anna has many years in the classroom and holds a Montessori teaching certificate.
Register here.
When: Saturday, February 11, 2023, 10 am – 12 pm
Where: High Country Ceramic Arts, Burnsville, NC
Workshop & materials fee:: $55 per participant

Mitchell County Student Showcase
2023-02-11 - 2023-03-11 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
The Arts in Education Showcase features the artwork of kindergarten through 12th-grade students from public, private, and home schools in Mitchell County. The showcase celebrates the creative achievements of our students and honors the dedication shown by the art educators who nurture creativity and artistic growth.
When: February 11 – March 11, 2023Where: Kokol Gallery

Fall Studio Tour
2022-11-11 - 2022-11-13 | NC
Since 1992, the Toe River Arts Studio Tour has showcased the talent and studios of North Carolina’s Yancey and Mitchell County artists. These world-renowned, well-traveled, and skilled artists bring beauty to the world by sharing their craft. All of the artists featured have a fascinating story, interesting background, and their own “Journey of the Arts.” The Studio Tour is a showcase for local artists to feature their work, processes, and studio spaces. Along with the Studio Tour, participating artists will exhibit their work in the Spruce Pine Gallery.
When: November 11 – November 13

Big Ink! with Lyell Castonguay
2022-10-29 09:00 - 2022-10-30 17:00 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
Toe River Arts and BIG INK present a workshop printing large woodblocks for all levels of skills and interests. Participants will produce woodblock prints that are 24” x 46” and up to 40″ x 96”. BIG INK’s specialty is printing woodblocks carved at a monumental scale.
Participants will include local artists tasked with carving woodblocks in the months leading up to BIG INK’s visit.
No prior experience is required from any of the event participants, BIG INK will provide an online tutorial workshop once you have registered.
Toe River Arts will provide a space, share tools and materials, guidance, and offer an opportunity to build connections. Most of the work can be done at home, however, we hope to gather together to share updates, potential studio tours, and slides. Participants will pay a $175 fee for the workshop event plus the cost of materials needed to make the block, paper and ink will be provided on the day of the workshop.
BIG INK will return to Toe River Arts, Owen Gallery on October 29 & 30, 2022 and work with the group printing each participant’s woodblock. Each participant will leave with three professional-grade prints, rejuvenated inspiration, new skills, and new connections.
Please register by August 22, 2022. If you have any questions contact the Toe River Arts, Community Outreach Coordinator.
Workshop Refund Policy:
Due to uncertainties created by COVID-19, we are no longer able to offer refunds for any workshop unless we can fill your spot. We will extend a 24-hour grace period immediately following the purchase of a workshop where a refund will be issued if requested by the student. Beyond that 24-hour grace period, refunds will not be issued under any circumstance. If you are issued a refund a check will be mailed for all your workshop fees minus a 3% processing fee.
Register here.
When: October 29 – 30, 2022, 9AM – 5PM
Where: Owen Gallery, Toe River Arts
Workshop & materials fee: $175 for all participants. The fee covers all supplies for the day of printing (paper for 3 prints, ink, etc). Artists are responsible for purchasing their own wood or MDF. Some supplies can be borrowed from Toe River Arts, carving tools, paint, carbon paper, etc.
Print by Alison Darrow.

Studio Tour Preview Exhibition
2022-10-29 - 2022-12-31 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
Since 1992, the Toe River Arts Studio Tour has showcased the talent and studios of North Carolina’s Yancey and Mitchell County artists. These world-renowned, well-traveled, and skilled artists bring beauty to the world by sharing their craft. All of the artists featured have a fascinating story, interesting background, and their own “Journey of the Arts.” The Studio Tour is a showcase for local artists to feature their work, processes, and studio spaces. Along with the Studio Tour, participating artists will exhibit their work in the Spruce Pine Gallery.
When: October 29 – December 31
Where: Spruce Pine Gallery

Fall Baskets with Bridget VanRemortel
2022-10-15 10:00 - 17:00 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
Join Bridget for a day of learning about traditional Appalachian basketry while weaving your very own fall basket.
“I have always loved creating with my hands in one way or another. I love to create with color and make something that is functional and useful. I enjoy being able to make something that can be used every day and fill a need.” – Bridget VanRemortel
Register here.
October 15, 2022, 10AM – 5PM
Owen Gallery, Toe River Arts
Workshop & materials fee: $70 general public; $60 artist members & donors* (*members & donors must be current at the promotional level)

36th Annual Music in the Mountains Folk Festival
2022-09-17 | NC
Join us on September 17, 2022, as we come together to celebrate the 36th annual Music in the Mountains Folk Festival.
Since 1985, the Music in the Mountains Folk Festival has showcased local and regional traditional music. With your support in the way of donations and the purchase of limited-edition t-shirts, we can continue to honor performers and promoters like Don Pedi and past honorees Wayne Ledford, Rhonda Gouge, Bob Lominac, Bobby McMillon, Bruce Greene, Bob “Happy Feet” Aldridge, and Bill and Judy Carson.

2022 Beer in the Garden
2022-09-15 17:30 - 20:00 | NuWray Hotel, 102 Town Square, Burnsville, 28714, United States
Toe River Arts will host a fundraiser at the NuWray Hotel to raise operational funds in support of its mission to connect artists, the arts, and communities across Western North Carolina. A first-of-its-kind event for the organization, Beer in the Garden will feature work from four Toe River Arts artists: Speckled Dog Pottery, McWhirter Pottery, McAvoy Pottery, and Rutkowsky Pottery. In addition to offering pieces from these artists for sale, the event will include live music, a seafood boil catered by the NuWray Hotel, a make-and-take activity, and regional beer. Each guest will also receive a hand-crafted mug from a talented local artist for attending. Tickets are limited and are selling fast!
Buy tickets here.

Creative Paper Clay with Susan Garriques
2022-09-03 10:00 - 2022-09-04 14:00 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
Learn how to add dimension to your artwork using Creative Paper Clay. An air-dry clay, Paper Clay is fun, flexible, and forgiving, making it perfect for beginning and advanced students alike. This workshop will be held over 2 half days. On the first day, learn how to sculpt and carve paper clay onto a birch board. On the second day, finish your piece with acrylic mediums and paints. Your final artwork will look like carved wood and will be 5″ x 7″.
Register here.
When: September 3 – 4, 2022, 10AM – 2PM
Where: Owen Gallery, Toe River Arts
Workshop & materials fee: $60 general public; $50 artist members & donors* (*members & donors must be current at the promotional level)

Re-think Big Ink
2022-08-12 - 2022-12-31 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
When: August 12 – December 31
Where: Owen Gallery

LIFE ART LIFE | William Bernstein 50 Year Retrospective
2022-08-06 - 2022-10-09 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
When: August 6 – October 9
Where: Spruce Pine Gallery

Kids Clay with Linda Powell
2022-07-18 13:00 - 2022-07-20 15:30 | High Country Ceramic Arts, Burnsville., 552 E U.S. Hwy 19E Bypass, Burnsville, North Carolina, 28714
Linda Powell from High Country Ceramic Arts will be hosting a three-day clay hand-building workshop for kids.  Each student will spend the first two days designing using hand-building techniques that will include slabs, coiling, pinching, and assembly. On the third day, the kids will be decorating with underglazes.  After the workshop, the pieces will be bisque fired, clear glazed, and glazed fired and will be available for pick up a few weeks later.  No experience is required.
Register here.
When: July 18 – 20, 2022, 1PM – 3:30PM
Where: High Country Ceramic Arts
Workshop & materials fee: $110 general public; $100 artist members & donors* (*members & donors must be current at the promotional level)

Works + Wonders of High Country
2022-06-25 - 2022-07-30 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
When: June 25 – July 30
Where: Owen Gallery

Kids Clay with Linda Powell
2022-06-20 13:00 - 2022-06-22 15:30 | High Country Ceramic Arts, Burnsville., 552 E U.S. Hwy 19E Bypass, Burnsville, North Carolina, 28714
Linda Powell from High Country Ceramic Arts will be hosting a three-day clay hand-building workshop for kids.  Each student will spend the first two days designing using hand-building techniques that will include slabs, coiling, pinching, and assembly. On the third day, the kids will be decorating with underglazes.  After the workshop, the pieces will be bisque fired, clear glazed, and glazed fired and will be available for pick up a few weeks later.  No experience is required.
Register here.
When: June 20 – 22, 2022, 1PM – 3:30PM
Where: High Country Ceramic Arts
Workshop & materials fee: $110 general public; $100 artist members & donors* (*members & donors must be current at the promotional level)

Contain Your Fear
2022-06-18 - 2022-07-23 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
When: June 18 – July 23
Where: Spruce Pine Gallery

Spring Studio Tour
2022-06-03 - 2022-06-05 | NC
Since 1992, the Toe River Arts Studio Tour has showcased the talent and studios of North Carolina’s Yancey and Mitchell County artists. These world-renowned, well-traveled, and skilled artists bring beauty to the world by sharing their craft. All of the artists featured have a fascinating story, interesting background, and their own “Journey of the Arts.” The Studio Tour is a showcase for local artists to feature their work, processes, and studio spaces. Along with the Studio Tour, participating artists will exhibit their work in the Spruce Pine Gallery.
When: June 3 – June 5

A Time and Place | Luther and Victoria Stroup
2022-05-14 - 2022-06-11 | Toe River Arts Gallery – Spruce Pine, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, United States
When: May 14 – June 11
Where: Owen Gallery
