Studio tours of 34 artists
The fourth annual Art Trek Tryon: Foothills Open Studios will be held Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 6, noon to 5 p.m. Thirty-four artists in Polk County and Landrum will open their studios and private galleries to the public free of charge. An exhibit including work by each artist opens at the Upstairs Artspace on Friday, May 4, with a preview party from 5 to 8 p.m., and coffee on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in the gallery. The Upstairs is the event developer and its chief sponsor.

This community happening covers a large geographical area that includes Tryon, Saluda, Columbus, Landrum, Mill Spring and Green Creek. The artists said they are enthusiastic about Art Trek Tryon because it exposes them to a wider audience, plus they can sell art from their studios.
Saluda artist Jim Shackelford said, “It is always a thrill for me to have people view my paintings. It is particularly nice to have the opportunity to talk about my paintings with people who visit my studio during Art Trek Tryon.”
Karen Jones, president of the Upstairs Artspace, said area businesses such as restaurants, shops and galleries also benefit from Art Trek.
“We expect ‘trekkers’ to spend time in our towns shopping, dining and getting to know us better,” said Jones. “The event should grow until thousands of people are coming to the county for this weekend.”
More than 20 sponsors are supporting this event. Sponsor locations will be identified by red sponsor signs and will welcome visitors. A brochure with map and driving directions is available at the Upstairs, the sponsors’ locations, artists’ studios and elsewhere. For more information, call 828-859-2828.
– article submitted by Karen Jones

Art Trek participating artists
Kim Attwooll
Richard Baker
Bonnie Bardos
Jean-Jacque and Sue
Benoist
Jim Carson
Rick Conn
Joe Cooper
Margaret Curtis
Margaret Davis
Mary Lou Diekmann
Dom Ferullo
Pat Ferullo
Ann Gleason
Catherine Gurri
Diana Gurri
Martine House
Linda Hudgins
Carol Beth Icard
Anne Jameson
William Jameson
Stoney Lamar
Grace Lertora
Jay Lichty
Christine Mariotti
Dale McEntire
Bob Neely
Rich Nelson
Danny Ramey
Chris Ray
Pat Roshaven
Bill Ryan
Jim Shackelford
Keith Spencer
Vicki VanVynckt