The Upstairs Artspace is basking in the success of a new event designed to benefit the area.

&uot;Art Trek Tryon: Foothills Open Studios&uot; brought many people to the studios and galleries of nearly 40 artists in Polk County and Landrum over the July 25-26 weekend.

Downtown merchants and restaurants enjoyed brisk trade. A comprehensive exhibit of work by all participating artists is at the Upstairs and continues through September 5.

The 31-year-old arts organization plans to make &uot;Art Trek Tryon&uot; an annual summer event.