Over 100 studios and galleries are open for an informal open house and sale during the Toe River Studio Tour on Friday, December 2 through Sunday, December 4, 2011 in Yancey and Mitchell Counties in Western North Carolina. The FREE self-guided tour is aided by a map guide and arrowed tour signs. An exhibit of participants' work at the TRAC Gallery in Spruce Pine, also assists visitors in deciding their travel plans. Hand blown glass, pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, wood, metals, basketry from world class and emerging artists can be found. The studio sites are open Friday from noon to 4, and then 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. A special "meet the artists" reception takes place from 5 to 7 pm on Friday at the TRAC Gallery in Spruce Pine. Map Guides are available at all participating sites, local businesses, and at the two Toe River Arts Council's Galleries. Map guides and more information on the tour can be found at www.toeriverarts.org The Toe River Arts Council Galleries are located at 269 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine, NC and 102 West Main Street, Burnsville, NC. For more information 828-682-7215 or 828-765-0520. or www.toeriverarts.org