Mountain Arts Adventure studio tour is June 11-13

Twelve Alleghany County galleries and studios will host a self-guided studio tour the weekend of June 11-13 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The event, dubbed N.C. Mountain Arts Adventure, features a wide variety of artists and craftspeople throughout the county, including Roaring Gap, Sparta, Laurel Springs and Turkey Knob.

Visitors can watch demonstrations throughout the day at several venues, including opportunities to meet the artists, watch them at work and shop in unique studio and gallery settings.

A second event is planned for Oct. 15 through 17.

Robin Cater, who is heading up the organization of the event, said the event is being held to raise awareness to a wider audience that "Alleghany County is rich with artists and craftsmen who make a living out of their studios and galleries."

She said the art made here ranges from fine arts and crafts to folk art and craft, giving a selection suiting a variety of tastes.

As for why those interested in the arts would come to Alleghany, she noted that this county offers more of a casual experience that involves getting to know the artists personally and quiet drives along country roads.

"It's more of a feeling of being in the country—people can experience the beauty that this county is rich in—with our natural vistas, wooded areas wildflowers," said Cater. She also noted that the area has numerous events throughout the summer and fall, which can give people more things to do over a multi-day trip.

"While it is an active time of year here, both in June and October, visitors to Alleghany County are not fighting traffic and going along Interstates to get to the studios and galleries," Cater said. "They can have a scenic ride on two-lane roads and get a feel for country life." Cater said that she also likes the fact that the tours are benefiting the local artists as well. "I like the fact that the studio tour is also bringing the artists and craftspeople together. That is really important because we need to network together. The more we have a concerted effort, the better we will all do individually."

First held last year in March 2009, the event initially was called a 'gallery hop' and was considered a success by organizers, said Cynthia Grant, leading to a second such event being held the day after Thanksgiving in 2009.

Grant, the former director of the Sparta Teapot Museum, is providing public relations support for the effort along with gallery owner Joe Edwards of Sparta.