Toe River Arts

10/21/2026

Exciting things are happening in Spruce Pine. 🌲

Toe River Arts staff were thrilled to participate in the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities community workshop, hosted by the Town of Spruce Pine on October 20th and 21st!

As an organization serving both Mitchell and Yancey counties, we are proud to see the deep care, thoughtfulness, and commitment to our local community that are shaping the planning process for this initiative. We're excited to see how this collaborative effort will help strengthen our region and create new opportunities for the future!

About the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities Program:
Recreation Economy for Rural Communities is a planning assistance program to help communities grow their outdoor recreation economies and revitalize their Main Streets. Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the USDA Forest Service, the Northern Border Regional Commission, and the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Denali Commission.

To learn more about the program, visit:
https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/recreation-economy-rural-communities

10/15/2026

Join us this Saturday, Oct 17th, from 3-4:30PM at Toe River Arts for a free event to connect, chat, & quilt!

Registration is required for participants. Follow the link in our bio to reserve your spot!

A huge thank you to our co-host, Crossnore’s Center for Trauma Resilient Communities and to We heal Together High Country for collaborating with us on this event. We hope to see you there!

10/07/2026

The Spruce Pine Potters Market, a celebrated two-day showcase of exceptional ceramic art in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, returns October 10-11!
 
This juried event features work by thirty potters from Mitchell and Yancey counties, offering everything from functional wares to sculptural pieces. Visitors can meet the artists, discover one-of-a-kind pottery, and experience the creativity of Western North Carolina’s vibrant clay community.
 
Event Details:
-10 am–5 pm Saturday and Sunday
-Cross Street Building (31 Cross Street, Spruce Pine, NC)
-Free and open to the public.
 
Toe River Arts is proud to be a sponsor of the Spruce Pine Potters Market! For more information, visit sprucepinepottersmarket.com.

10/06/2026

Join Gabriela Masala at Toe River Arts for Mojo | Art of Movement!

This 3-part series will focus on soulful, expressive, playful, and therapeutic movement. Session will include elements of dance therapy and movement meditation.

The classes will take place on Oct 16, 23, and 30 at 6PM in the Owen Gallery (269 Oak Ave). To register ahead of time, please venmo -Masala. Workshop costs are listed in the graphic above.

Questions about the program? Email Gabriela at [email protected]

09/30/2026

Join us this Friday, Oct. 2, from 5–7 PM for a reception celebrating Making Music in the Valley: Instrument Makers & Their Music!

We are thrilled to share this phenomenal exhibition, curated by William Ritter (/), with you all and hope you’ll join us in celebrating his work.

Enjoy these clips of William giving us a tour of the exhibition, along with highlights from the amazing performance he and Brandon Johnson () put on in the exhibition on Oct. 17. And yes, that’s William playing Ray Dellinger’s Magic Fiddle! 🎻

Come experience this interactive exhibition and learn more about the past and present instrument makers and restorers who are part of our community.

09/21/2026

A Life in Clay
a short film by Jane Pittman

Join us for the free premiere screening!
Friday, September 25th
6-7:30pm

For over fifty years, a vibrant, deeply rooted community of artists has flourished around Penland School of Craft and the Toe River Valley in western North Carolina. Through shared studios, friendships and the act of making, they transformed this rural mountain region into one of America’s most respected centers for contemporary craft.

At the heart of this community, Stanley Mace Andersen and Nick and Lisa Joerling helped establish the region’s national reputation for excellence in ceramics.

Reserve your seats today:
https://secure.givelively.org/event/toe-river-arts-council-inc/a-life-in-clay-premiere-screening

Music by Nathan Salzburg

09/14/2026

Come work at Toe River Arts!
 
Administrative Assistant:
Support our daily operations in this behind the scenes roll which will allow our programs staff to focus on delivering exceptional experiences while keeping the organization running efficiently. Email mailto:[email protected] to apply.
 
Retail Operations & Ecommerce Manager:
Strengthen the connection between our artists and the people who support their work by creating engaging retail spaces, expanding ecommerce, and improve sales and inventory systems. Email mailto:[email protected] to apply.
 
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and three professional
references. Please include the position title in the subject line of your email.
 
Deadline to Apply: Friday, September 25th, 5pm.
 
For the full job postings, please check the links in our bio or visit toeriverarts.org/about/staff-board-or-directors. The link will also be available in our bio.

09/14/2026

From Maker to Musician: An Evening with Brandon Johnson & William Ritter
with handmade Appalachian Box Camera portraits by artist Sam Brown

Join us Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 PM for a special evening with Brandon Johnson and William Ritter.  Johnson, a violin maker and old-time and bluegrass musician, and Ritter, a multi-instrumentalist and ballad singer, are currently featured in the “Making Music in the Valley” exhibition in the Owen Gallery at Toe River Arts.  The evening will begin with a walkthrough of the exhibition at 7:00 PM, followed by a concert at 7:15 PM showcasing instruments on display in the exhibition. Brandon and William will perform and share insights into the tradition, community, and craft of instrument making.

Photographer Sam Brown will be on the patio with his handmade Appalachian Box Camera making 5x7” portraits throughout the evening. Sitting is free and begins at 6pm. Finished portraits can be purchased at the Toe River Arts Gallery on Saturday September 19th. All proceeds will support Toe River Arts.

Tickets are $15 per person. Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/49bh24ad

09/11/2026

Studio Tour Application deadline is TODAY! Last chance to participate in the November Tour!

Calling all artists and galleries in Mitchell and Yancey Counties! 📣 The application for our November Studio Tour, November 13-15, 2026 is now live! Apply using the link in our bio!

09/09/2026

Get ready for the 2026 Music in the Mountains Folk Festival!
 
Join us this Saturday, September 12th at 5:00 PM at Homeplace B**r Co. and enjoy free live music featuring performances by Robin Dreyer, Rob Levin, William Ritter, Donna Ray Norton, Sam McKinney, and the Geneva Hall Stompers. We’re stoked for this lineup of incredible lineup of performers!
 
A huge thanks to our lovely sponsor, the The Orchard at Altapass for making this event possible and Homeplace B**r Company for hosting.