The Mountaineer

September 31, 2023

Get an insider’s look into artists and crafters at work with the Haywood County Arts Council’s annual Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24, with a kick-off event on Thursday, Sept. 21.

The self-guided tour invites hundreds of visitors each year into artists’ studios to meet the artist, view demonstrations and buy art at their own pace.

Studios are sprinkled throughout Haywood County, bringing visitors to diverse locales, both urban and rural. There will be 38 artists participating in 20 different studio sites, with a variety of mediums.

The Studio Tour will run from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Plan your tour of participating artists with an interactive guide map at www.haywoodarts.org/studio-tour.

“We are really looking forward to showcasing the amazing talent that resides right here in Haywood County,” said Tonya Harwood, arts council executive director. “Come on out and support our local artists. And, locally made artwork is always a great holiday gift.”

Art in the Park

A kick-off event will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Sorrells Park in downtown Canton. Artists will be selling work and demonstrating their techniques. The Haywood Ramblers will lead a community jam session at 4 p.m., and at 5:30 p.m., the bluegrass sensation Nu-Blu takes the stage. Bring camp chairs to listen to the music.

Art in the Park is held in conjunction with the weekly Milltown Market, and has funding support from the Cruso Foundation and the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.

Online art auction

During September, the HCAC is offering an online auction of member artists’ work. Items include artisan necklaces, hand-painted wine glasses, handmade charcuterie boards, artisan pottery, paintings and more.

Bidding is online at www.givebutter.com/c/2023auction/auction.The HCAC gallery on Waynesville’s Main Street has a window display of auction items, all donated by HCAC artist members. Proceeds from the auction support HCAC.

The HCAC Haywood Handmade Gallery is at 86 N. Main St., Waynesville.