Art Trek Tryon: Foothills Open Studios is almost here. The second annual event is Saturday, July 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 25, noon to 5 p.m.

Forty-one artists in Polk County and Landrum will open their studios and private galleries to the public free of charge. An exhibit of each artists work opens at the Upstairs Artspace on Friday, July 23, with a preview party from 5 to 8 p.m. The Upstairs Artspace is the event developer and its chief sponsor.

This is a community wide happening in every sense of the description, organizers say. It covers a large geographical area that includes Tryon, Saluda, Columbus, Landrum, Mill Spring and Green Creek. Traveling from studio to studio, people will enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxed ambience of the foothills.

The artists are enthusiastic about Art Trek Tryon because it exposes them to a wider audience, plus they can sell art from their studios. Says Saluda artist Bonnie Bardos, Its exciting to have people view my paintings and work in progress I love sharing what I do. She points out that art lovers like to see the special places where artists create.

Other benefactors of Art Trek Tryon are area businesses such as restaurants, shops, galleries and gas stations.

We expect trekkers will spend time in our towns shopping, dining and getting to know us better, says Margo Carter, president of the Upstairs. The event should grow so that people from all over the Carolinas look forward to coming to the county for this particular weekend.

In addition to support from both the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce and a Polk County Community Foundation Kirby Civic Events Grant, 28 sponsors are helping the Upstairs with the event. They are:

Restaurants: 10 North Trade Caf Bakery, The Celtic Tavern, Giardini Trattoria, The Hare and Hound, The Lake Lanier Tea House, Mr. Juans, Purple Onion, Saluda Grade Cafe, The Wine Cellar at the Saluda Inn, Zenzera

Retail stores: Architectural Warehouse, Frog and Swan, Heartwood Gallery, Kathleens, La Bouteille Wine & Beer, Nancy Roth-Joe Ewing Antiques, P.J. Fashions, Tryon House, Vera, Vines & Stuff

Other businesses: Bank of America, Bit of Heaven, LLC Guest House, Carolina First Bank, Main Street Financial Group-Brady Insurance Group, Raymond McLees at Wells Fargo, Macon Bank, ServPro. Watson Flooring & Appliance

Last years event created such momentum and enthusiasm, says Mary Prioleau of Tryon House. I plan to stay open late on Friday. This is a great effort to support the arts and revitalize interest in our community.

A brochure with map and driving directions is available at the Upstairs, the sponsors, artists studios and other locations. For more information go to www.upstairsartspace.com or call 828-859-2828.