The Upstairs Artspace is preparing to kick off the fifth annual Art Trek Tryon open studios tour with a preview party on from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 26.

Visitors are invited to come to the gallery at 49 S. Trade St. in Tryon to see works by all of the 36 artists who are participating in the event this year, and mingle with the artists and other art lovers over refreshments.
Then, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, the public can drop in on the artists in their studios.

This year’s event will include 27 artists who are veterans of Art Trek, as well as nine new artists who will be opening up their studios in the area for the first time.

The newcomers include Mike Hayes at Fairview Farms, Toby Wolter’s studio next to The Farm House between Tryon and Landrum, and Ben Sellers, whose studio is on Doubleday in Tryon and  Linda Seagroves in her new studio on Trade Street.

Also new to Art Trek, Becky Merrill Collins and Matt Cable will have work on display at Thompson’s Garden Gallery & Outdoor Living, and Jim Cullen, Martha Spray, and Leigh Nodine will have work at Tryon Arts & Crafts School.
Returning artists include: Kim Attwooll, Richard Baker, Bonnie Bardos, Chris Rough Baschon, Jim Carson, Patricia Cole-Ferullo, Joe Cooper, James Cornell, Bill Crowell, Mary Lou Diekmann, Dom Ferullo, Mark Gardner, Ann Gleason, Diana Gurri, Linda Hudgins, Carol Beth Icard, Stoney Lamar, Grace Lertora, Marie-Christine Maitre de Tarragon, Christine Mariotti, Eva McCray, Dale McEntire, Bob Neely, B J Precourt, Jim Shackelford, Keith Spencer and Vicki Van Vynckt.

“It is an honor to work with such a thoughtful and dynamic group on the Art Trek committee this year,” says gallery manager Jennifer Kamell. “Their enthusiasm has spread through the community with over 35 sponsors and over 35 artists joining forces in this year’s Art Trek Tryon exhibit. The gallery is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, so it’s exciting to see so much enthusiasm for this wonderful event.”

Maps to the studios will be available next week at the Starving Artist in Hendersonville, Kathleen’s Gallery in Saluda, Allstate insurance in Columbus, PJ’s Fashions and Zenzera in Landrum, S.C., or in Tryon at the Upstairs, Thompson’s Garden Gallery, Tryon House, Tryon Gold & Coin, Vines & Stuff, or La Bouteille beer and wine boutique.

Visit Art Trek Base at Upstairs Artspace for morning coffee and refreshments at 9 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday. Visitors can preview samples of each artist’s work in the gallery exhibit, which runs from April 26 to May 25.

For more information, call 828-859-2828, email frontdesk@upstairsartspace.org, visit the gallery’s website at www.upstairsartspace.org, or drop by the gallery.

– article submitted by Jennifer Parnell