Youth Programs
Toe River Arts believes every young person should have the opportunity to experience, make, and learn through art. From artists working directly in school classrooms to after-school programs in our gallery classroom and community spaces, summer camps, and hands-on public events, we make art part of growing up here. By connecting young people with local working artists, we build mentorship, share skills across generations, and create space to express, belong, heal, and grow together through the power of art.
Art Club is our after-school art program built for middle schoolers—a place to learn, connect, unwind, and get creative. Guided by local working and teaching artists, students explore everything from painting, drawing and sculpture to textiles, photography, collage, metals, murals and public art, while building real skills and learning to express their own ideas, feelings, and perspectives. Come as you are. Leave understanding a little more about who you want to be.
Art Club follows the local school calendar and is offered in both Mitchell and Yancey Counties, with transportation from school, snacks, and all art supplies provided. Enrollment is kept at around 20 kids per club to protect the quality of instruction. A registration fee helps offset program costs and encourages commitment, but is never required to participate.
Supported by grants and our community, Art Club puts local artists to work, connects young people with artists and each other, and helps grow a stronger creative community right here at home.
Contact Bethany Chenoweth at bethany@toeriverarts.org for more information.
Yancey County Artist in Residency Program:
Through our partnership with Yancey County Schools, local working artists bring
specialized art experiences directly into the classroom during school the school day. Working alongside Yancey Schools Primary art teacher Rachel Boone, our teaching artists lead 2nd and 4th graders through hands-on projects in glass, printmaking, and more—introducing new materials, techniques, and working artists while giving students even more ways to experience art as part of their school day.
Samba REGGEA Drumming in Schools & Community:
Solomon Masala leads the Appalachian Drum Circle in partnership with Toe River Arts, bringing the joy and power of drumming to both our schools and the community. Through rhythm, storyte
lling, collaboration, and exercises that strengthen listening skills and build confidence, Solomon works with 3rd graders across Mitchell and Yancey Counties during the school day while also leading community drum circles open to all. We’re honored to offer a program that brings people together through music—both in the classroom and throughout our community.
Interested in joining or hosting a drum circle or workshop? Contact Bethany Chenoweth at bethany@toeriverarts.org.
Educational Showcase:
Each year from February through March, Toe River Arts celebrates the creativity of young artists across Mitchell and Yancey Counties with our annual Educational Showcase. Facilitated by Toe River Arts and brought together with the help of public school art teachers, Montessori school teachers, and students participating in our Art Clubs, the showcase features artwork from Pre-K through 12th grade in our galleries in Spruce Pine and Burnsville.
Stay tuned for this year’s showcase dates, and come celebrate the young artists and incredible work we’re so proud to share with our community!
After-School Art, in partnership with the YMCA and Mitchell County Schools, helps us bring more art to more kids—this time, our K–2nd graders! Led by Mitchell County art teacher Carley Roark, these weekly classes bring hands-on art experiences directly to students at their schools after the school day ends. We’re thrilled to work alongside local partners who believe, like we do, that art should be part of growing up here.
