Circle your calendars for the annual three-day art event that offers all the thrill of the first brisk breezes of autumn combined with the color and form of the turning trees and the painting and sculpture of local foothills artists. 

Upstairs Artspace will open the three-day annual tour of local Polk County and Landrum artists and craftsman studios Friday night, Sept. 23 with a reception from 5-8 p.m. featuring the works of the 19 participating artists.

The studios will be open for tours Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 25, from noon – 5 p.m. The gallery exhibit, including a silent auction, will remain open during these same times on Saturday and Sunday. 

Artists participating in this year’s Art Trek are: Bonnie Bardos, Margaret Curtis, William Dill, David Edgar, Lynda Evans, Dom Ferullo, Patricia Cole-Ferullo, Ann Gleason, Diana Gurri, Sarah Holmberg, Carol Beth Icard, Marie King, Rich Nelson, Bob Neely, BJ Precourt, Keith Spencer, Doc Welty, Toby Wolter and David Zacharias.

Maps to the studios will be available at the gallery the night of the opening reception and on Saturday morning, along with coffee and pastries courtesy of Tryon Arts & Crafts School.  Maps can also be found at local businesses and other arts organizations in Tryon, Saluda, Columbus, and Landrum beginning this week.

If all this art is not enough for you, there are bargains to be had at local sponsoring businesses.  Both La Bouteille and Huckleberry’s will offer a 10 percent discount on Saturday and Sunday to those possessing an Art Trek map.

So fill up the gas tank, put on your walking shoes, grab a doughnut and a map, and fill your soul with art and nature during this art-filled weekend! All events are free.

– article submitted by Clare O’Sheel