The Polk County Community Foundation Kirby Civic Events grant has been awarded to the Upstairs Artspace for printing promotional materials for Art Trek Tryon: Foothills Open Studios. The second annual Art Trek Tryon is scheduled for Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 25 from 12 to 5 p.m. A preview party will be held Friday, July 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. when the public can meet Art Trek artists, view their art and plan their weekend tour.

We are grateful to the foundation for its support, which allows the Upstairs to produce a colorful, informative brochure for people attending the event, says Wyndy Morehead, Art Trek Tryons organizer. The brochure lists the more than 40 participating artists, samples of their art, maps to the studios and event sponsors. Brochures are available at the Upstairs and area businesses; they can also be downloaded at www.upstairsartspace.org

Tryon and its neighboring communities share a long heritage of art that has drawn people to the area over time. Art Trek Tryon showcases the art of many regionally acclaimed artists who currently live and work in the foothills. It exemplifies the mission of the Upstairs Artspace, which is to encourage and support the arts of our time.

Along with the artists, Polk County and Landrum benefit economically from Art Trek Tryon. People who take the trek collect art, buy unique objects for their homes, learn about making art, and commission artists to create specialty items to meet their needs.

The Upstairs Artspace is a non-profit organization, which depends upon memberships, grants and contributions to sustain exhibits and programs that enrich the life of the community.

Art Trek Tryon is a self-guided event that is free and open to the public. Much of the art is for sale. For more information call 828-859-2828.