Asheville Community Rallies to Restore Hope after Hurricane Helene
Asheville, a vibrant city known for its stunning landscapes and artistic spirit, faced an unexpected calamity when Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on the area. The local fiber-art nonprofit, Local Cloth, found itself at the center of this storm’s devastation, but hope is slowly weaving its way back into the community.
Floodwaters Devastate Local Cloth Studio
When the floodwater from the French Broad River finally receded, shepherdess Caroline Williford described the scene as both “shocking and heartbreaking.” According to her, the river rose to heights surpassing the infamous Great Flood of 1916, pouring into Local Cloth’s Depot Street studio and causing chaos. “It took only two days for the floodwaters to invade our beloved space,” she recalled, “busting out windows and doors and reaching a staggering 11 feet inside.”
The aftermath left the studio an “unrecognizable landscape” filled with toxic mud. Tragically, the wreckage extended beyond their four walls—items like a giant loom and a spinning wheel were discovered far from their original homes. As the dust settled, local staff and dedicated volunteers rallied together, sifting through debris in a determined effort to salvage what they could.
Local Fiber Artists and Farmers Unite
One of the most heart-wrenching losses was nearly 100 unique pieces tied to the Blue Ridge Blankets Project. This initiative unites fiber farmers and artists across the region to create beautiful, locally-sourced blankets that not only keep residents warm but also support the local fiber economy. “The mission of this project is close to my heart,” said Williford, who oversees the initiative. “Every blanket we create supports our community’s fiber farmers, dyers, and weavers.”
The project gained momentum in 2021 with a grant from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Local Cloth began sourcing exquisite fibers like wool, mohair, and alpaca from farms across the region. The process involved washing, carding, spinning, and dyeing the fibers, which were then woven into unique pieces by local artists, including students from Haywood Community College and Warren Wilson College’s Fiber Arts Crew. In 2023 alone, Local Cloth launched a limited run of five stunning blanket designs that drew inspiration from the local landscape.
A Silver Lining Amidst the Chaos
Despite the devastating losses, stories of resilience emerged. Miraculously, 52 blankets were recovered from the ruins. Among them was a box containing ten French Broad River blankets, untouched by the flood’s destruction and representing a beautiful irony. “It’s like the river that devastated our studio also helped preserve its identity,” shared Williford. This notion of resilience resonates deeply with the community.
One of the board members, Peggy Eckel, played a pivotal role in cleaning and restoring the rescued blankets. With her home still having running water, she took them to her Leicester house and diligently cleaned each piece, soaking them in a water-vinegar solution before machine washing them with a strong soap. “They turned out amazingly clean and beautiful,” Eckel said with pride.
Support Local Artisans This Holiday Season
In early November, Local Cloth proudly began releasing the first batch of restored blankets on their website. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. With the holiday season fast approaching, the Asheville community has an opportunity to support local artisans by purchasing one of the few surviving blankets or pre-ordering a new piece.
“Restoring these blankets supports our mission to rejuvenate the textile economy in our region,” Williford emphasized, noting that the hurricane impacts reached far and wide, with one farmer devastatingly losing an entire flock of goats.
A United Community
As the community moves forward from this catastrophic event, Judi Jetson, a co-founder of Local Cloth, believes in the strength of these local farmers and artists. “They are creative, strong, and determined. Together, we will emerge from this disaster more united than ever,” she affirmed.
Asheville’s spirit of resilience shines brightly as residents come together to support one another. While Hurricane Helene may have brought destruction, the love and commitment to restoring local art are just beginning to weave a new narrative of hope.
