Toe River artists reopen studios after Helene
This June, the Toe River Arts Spring Studio Tour returns to the hills and hollers of Mitchell and Yancey counties, nearly nine months after Hurricane Helene left its mark on the region. “Helene will always be part of our narrative,” says Bakersville glass artist Scott Summerfield. “Although it was one of the scariest natural events I’ve been through, I’ll also remember it as a time when the community, near and far, showed up.” From June 6 to 8, nearly 100 artists will open their doors for this free, self-guided driving tour. Participating creatives range from Summerfield, who crafts blown glass works, to Spruce Pine ceramicist Kurt Anderson, who embraces a loose style he calls “Fauxlk.” “My work is inspired by numerous folk traditions found throughout the world, from Buncheong to Mimbres to North American folk artists such as Howard Finster and Bill Traylor,” says Anderson. “Throw in some modern dissonance. Add some labor-saving devices. This is my work.”
The Toe River Arts Spring Studio Tour happens June 6-8, 10am-5pm each day. A reception will be held on Friday, June 6, from 5:30-7:30pm in the Kokol Gallery (269 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine). See more at toeriverarts.org.