Upstairs Artspace will open their ninth annual two-day tour of local Polk County and Landrum artists and craftsman studios Friday night, Sept. 29 with a preview party from 5 – 7 p.m. featuring the works of the 22 participating artists. The studios will be open for tours Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 1 from 12 – 5 p.m. The gallery exhibit, including a silent auction, will remain open during these same times on Saturday and Sunday.

Mark your calendars for this art event that combines the beauty of a foothills autumn with art of local foothills artists.

Artists participating in this year’s Art Trek are Bonnie Bardos, Carri Bass, Margaret Curtis, Robert Clark, Margaret Davis, David Edgar, Lynda Evans, Ann Gleason, Diana Gurri, Lori Heckelman, Martine House, Carol Beth Icard, Marie King, Christine Mariotti, Bob Neely, BJ Precourt, Becky Rickenbaker, Keith Spencer, Vicki Van Vynckt, Doc Welty, Toby Wolter and David Zacharias.

Maps to the studios will be available at local businesses and other arts organizations in Tryon, Saluda, Columbus, and Landrum after Labor Day. They will be available at Upstairs as well and if you are coming to the preview party or stopping in to see the Art Trek artists’ art please pick one up.  Also at the gallery on Saturday morning we will be serving coffee and pastries, courtesy of Tryon Painters and Sculptors!

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. Upstairs Artspace is grateful for the support of the Polk County Community Foundation, our members and donors, and, especially to those businesses and individuals who are our sponsors for Art Trek 2017. Check your map for the list and look for the orange signs on your travels and stop for a visit.

– submitted by Michele Deudne

Want to go?

What: Art Trek Foothills Open Studios Tour 2017, Tour the studios of 22 foothills artists

When: Opening Reception, Sept. 29, 5 – 7:30 p.m. Studio Tours: Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 1, 12 – 5 p.m.

Where: Upstairs Artspace 49 S. Trade Street, Tryon