Toe River Arts | 50th Anniversary 1976-2026
Toe River Arts launches a year of celebratory events on January 26, 2026, with a birthday party. On that date fifty years ago, the original board of directors gathered to sign the official papers incorporating the Toe River Arts Council, locally known as TRAC. To commemorate the date, the present board is throwing a birthday party at Toe River Arts in Spruce Pine on Monday, January 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. The public is wholeheartedly invited to the 50th Anniversary reception celebrating five decades of art, artists, and community.
Creative Journey: The First 50 Years of Toe River Arts
Kokol Gallery
January 17th – March 14th, 2026
Our Kokol Gallery was transformed to highlight the accomplishments of Toe River Arts over the last 50 years. One wall featured a history of the founding with photos of people, performances, publications and events from 1974 through 1976, TRAC’s first official year of operation. On two more walls a timeline told the story of TRAC’s development from an all-volunteer organization meeting at kitchen tables, artists’ studios, churches and schools to a staffed nonprofit with accessible galleries downtown in both Burnsville and Spruce Pine and offices and educational spaces in Spruce Pine. The two-county arts council, unique in North Carolina, counts 1,552 artists and performers.
Fifty Forward Gala: Honoring Our Legacy. Inspiring What’s Next.
Cross Street Commerce Center, Spruce Pine
Friday, July 24th 2026
6-9pm
Join us on July 24, 2026, for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate five decades of Toe River Arts and the artists, supporters, and community members who have shaped our story. The Fifty Forward Gala is a special indoor celebration honoring our legacy while looking boldly toward the future. Guests are invited to dress in cocktail or festive evening attire and enjoy an elegant night of connection, inspiration, and artistry — featuring fine food and drink, meaningful storytelling, and opportunities to support the next chapter of creative impact in our region.
The evening will include a beer and wine bar, dinner, dessert, a live and silent auction and performances by our artists from our amazing community.
Purchase Tickets Here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/toe-river-arts-council-inc/toe-river-arts-fifty-forward-gala
