Community Comes Together in Asheville Following Devastating Flooding
Asheville, NC experienced a colorful pulse of creativity in its River Arts District (RAD) until late September 2024 when a catastrophic storm turned that bright canvas into one of heartbreak and loss. Beginning on Wednesday, September 25, heavy rains began to blanket the region as flash flood warnings lit up local advisories. With a Category 1 hurricane brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, looming over the Carolinas marked a time of instinctual, frantic preparation for local artists.
Memories of Past Floods Inspire Quick Action
For artists at Curve Studios and Gardens, memories of the disastrous floods from 2004 were fresh in their minds. They had seen the likes of three hurricanes wreak havoc, flooding their building to a staggering height of 6 feet. Drawing from that painful experience, eight artists took action, renting two 17-foot U-Haul trailers to whisk away their invaluable creations. Angelique Tassistro, a ceramic artist at Curve Studios for 14 years, shared how they moved everything they could, citing that the heavy table would have to stay behind as it could not be disassembled quickly.
Storm Strength Grows as Artists Hope for the Best
As the storm approached, optimism ebbed and flowed amongst the artists. By Thursday morning, Annie Kyla Bennett, co-owner of ArtGarden Asheville, shared the reality of the weather through a video on Instagram showcasing torrential downpour as she left her studio. Alerts circulated, prompting artists to shift items well above the anticipated flood levels.
The preparations seemed adequate until Friday when hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 and began impacting the Carolinas. With rivers rising rapidly due to the storm’s outer bands, artists were not as prepared as they had hoped.
Floodwaters Transform the River Arts District
Spenser Beals, a member of the RAD and leader of the popular Sketch Book Club, went into damage control mode Friday night, armed only with a broom and shop vac. Aiming to save his precious artwork, he braced for only a 2-3 foot flood. As he evacuated, however, the situation escalated quickly and the waters surged to his chest height. Regrettably, he and many others in the area faced complete devastation, losing everything.
“I never thought I’d be caught in such chaos,” Beals expressed, reminiscing about the vibrant community of artists, studios, and shops that meant so much to him. Riverview Station, where many artists called home, also felt the brunt of the storm, becoming a shell of its former self. The floodwaters filled the building, rising higher than anyone had earlier projected, and many artists were left grappling with their staggering losses.
A Community in Mourning
The devastation left behind remained unbelievably shocking. Relief efforts began soon after, with crowd-sourced fundraising popping up in hopes of supporting those artists affected. The emotional toll of losing original artworks, the work of years that represented their passions, dreams, and livelihoods, was palpable among the artists. Bridget Benton, an art instructor, reflected on the experience by saying, “It felt like my art was stolen.”
Physical and Emotional Cleanup Commences
As Aux Rains subsided, the true extent of damages revealed themselves. Many artists faced a daunting clean-up task, entering their beloved studios, which were coated with mud and debris. “I spent hours pulling chairs, tables, art, and shelving units out of my space,” Benton recalled sadly. The sheer magnitude of loss – both physical and emotional – could not be understated. Yet, the spirit of community shone brightly through the darkness.
In the wake of loss, artists united, with volunteers offering up their hands to help shovel mud, provide meals, and organize donations. As they sorted through remnants of their former lives, a sense of newfound camaraderie emerged amidst the chaos.
Looking Towards the Future
Even during such dark times, artists remained hopeful about rebuilding. In light of the severity of the damage, ongoing discussions about recovery and support began to gain traction. Many expressed the desire to return to a normal life, tapping into their resilience and creativity.
As artists begin to process the aftermath of this catastrophe, they hope for a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their art community. “Through every difficult thing in my life, I’ve had art,” Reader echoed, emphasizing the importance of embracing the future, despite the immense challenges ahead. Others like Beals remain optimistic: “There is still a strong part of the RAD that is intact and is, like a phoenix, ready to rise and reopen when the infrastructure is ready.”
The Heart of Art
Asheville and the artists of the RAD remain a symbol of creativity and resilience, bringing a sense of community to life even through teardrops of rain and sleepless nights. In the face of despair, they redefine their artistry, not just through their lost creations, but through the strength of togetherness that holds no bounds. As the city weathers this storm, we look ahead – not just to repair the physical damages but to rekindle the flame of the artistic spirit that has always burned brightly in Asheville.
