At a crowded reception its Spruce Pine Gallery on Saturday, January 16th, the Toe River Arts Council announced winners for its 2009 membership campaign. Appealing to TRAC members to double their membership by year's end as well as to first-time members, the raffle offered as prizes a hand-blown pitcher with two tumblers by William and Katherine Bernstein, a hand-dyed silk organza wall hanging by Laura Sims, and a hand-blown glass vase by Pablo Soto. TRAC's Executive Director, Denise Cook, announced the prize winners as tickets were drawn from a jar by artist Dot Collins. Winners of the Laura Sims wall hanging were Hal and Holly Levinson of Charlotte. Winners of the Bernstein pitcher and tumblers were Jeff and Greer Denny of Burnsville. And Kay Goins of Spruce Pine won the Pablo Soto vase. An appreciative crowd of over 200 cheered the winners.

The Saturday reception honored the students and faculty of Bakersville's ArtsCentered School whose work was on exhibit. ArtsCentered director Jann Welch offered to further the membership campaign for TRAC by discounting any of her work in the exhibit as well as in both of TRAC's gift shops (Burnsville and Spruce Pine) by 20%. The membership must be taken out at the time the piece or pieces of art are purchased, Ms. Welch explained.

Membership in the Toe River Arts Council assists the non-profit organization in maintaining its programs and facilities. The goal for this year is $25,000 by year's end. Natural scenery and locally produced art are the two major tourism draws for the High Country. Support for TRAC benefits the local economy.