The TRAC Center Gallery in Spruce Pine currently features an exhibition of participants’ work that is arranged somewhat geographically and is on display from November 8 through December 31, 2008. Visitors to the gallery, with map in hand, are able to plan out their trip after viewing the items on display.

In 1993 the first Annual Holiday Tour started with 28 sites, which continued a tradition started by several artists over 15 years prior on that same weekend in December. This year is TRAC’s 16th year for sponsoring the December Toe River Studio Tour and it has nearly tripled in size from its inception to currently consist of around 77 sites with over 119 total artists and craftsmen participating. World re-known as well as emerging artists and galleries are featured on the map. One can find nearly every type of handmade item with a wide range of prices – handblown glass, clay items of all sorts from functional to sculptural, paintings, photography, metals, jewelry, baskets, handmade paper items, wood, prints, fiber of all sorts from wearables to wallhangings, books and a whole lot more.

There’s no charge for visitors to participate on the Toe River Studio Tour. Just pick up a map, decide where you would like to go and then head out looking for the arrowed “tour” signs. The trip will take you through towns and down winding mountain roads, pass rivers and through lovely wooded areas. The trip itself is pleasant, but the destinations reward the travelers with a lovely reception of warm fires, hot cider, munchies of all sorts – and of course the art. Lots of arts and crafts! It an opportunity to visit these studios that are generally not open to the public and to see where and how these beautiful items are made. Plus, it’s an opportunity to meet the artists who have created these items.

The TRAC Center, located 269 Oak Avenue in Spruce Pine, becomes a great place to start your journey with an exhibit of participant’s work from November 8 and past the tour to December 31. Items in the exhibit are available for sale as are other items from the TRAC Gift shops.

A fun-filled party and reception takes place at the TRAC Center Gallery on Friday, December 5. Many of the participating artists attend the opening gala to meet visitors interested in coming to their studios. The TRAC Center in Spruce Pine (269 Oak Avenue) and Burnsville TRAC Gallery (102 West Main Street) will both be open during the tour with extended hours.

Maps can also be picked up from either TRAC Gallery in Burnsville or Spruce Pine, or downloaded from the TRAC Studio Tours web page.

The Spruce Pine TRAC Center Gallery is located at 1269 Oak Avenue in downtown Spruce Pine and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm. Visit the TRAC website for more information at www.toeriverarts.org or phone at 828-765-0520