16 Hands members and guests artists to host open studios this month
Visitors who are drawn to Floyd to experience the fall 16 Hands Studio Tour are encouraged to stay the night and experience the community’s warm hospitality, explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, and enjoy the crisp mountain air while discovering one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Staff Report
16 Hands Fall Studio Tour returns for its 27th year on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19. Art lovers, collectors, and curious travelers are all invited to immerse themselves in the world of handmade craft throughout Floyd County.
The self-guided tour features 10 member artists and a curated selection of guest artists, each opening their studios to share their work, process, and stories.
From ceramics and textiles to woodwork and glass, the 16 Hands collective has showcased the depth and diversity of Appalachian artistry during its nearly three decades of bi-annual tours.
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This fall is no different, visitors will explore multiple studios across Floyd County, each nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge landscape, making the tour as much a scenic adventure as a cultural one.
This fall, the 16 Hands members welcome a remarkable group of guest artists whose work deepens the spirit of the 16 Hands Studio Tour. Hosted in the studios of 16 Hands members, these artists bring fresh perspectives rooted in clay, glass, and more.
Hanna Traynam will have two guests this fall: Alexandra Barao, a potter and educator from Western North Carolina, and Melanie Risch.
Barao’s wood-fired vessels incorporate wild clay and local materials, and her work reflects a deep connection to the land and a decade of community-building through clay.
Risch’s work explores texture and transformation, often blending natural forms with intricate surface design. Her pieces evoke quiet movement and organic rhythm.