Asheville Artists on the Road to Recovery After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, North Carolina—It’s a bittersweet time in the vibrant River Arts District (RAD) of Asheville, nestled beautifully in the heart of Western North Carolina. Just over a year ago, many artists were celebrating the opening of their dream studios, embracing the lively atmosphere of creativity that flows through this area. But then, Hurricane Helene hit, leaving a trail of destruction and upheaval in its wake. Now, the community is coming together as artists reclaim their space and their craft, proving that resilience is alive and well.
The Aftermath of Helene
The storm took a heavy toll, especially for those like Cynthia Llanes, who had just realized her dream studio at the Riverview Station. The road was harsh, and remnants of the past, such as Wendy Newman’s vibrant umbrellas hanging from the ceiling of the Marquee Marketplace, serve as poignant reminders of what was lost. But where there is loss, there is also the potential for rebirth, and the artists in this beloved district are ready to rise again, together.
Support from ArtsvilleUSA
Enter ArtsvilleUSA, an organization stepping up to support Asheville’s artistic community as it heals and rebuilds. They recognize the critical importance of art in not only sharing joy and beauty but also uniting and healing communities during tough times. “We believe in the power of the arts to heal and unite,” says Louise Glickman, the founder and director of ArtsvilleUSA. “Through these initiatives, we will not only support our individual artists but also foster a renewed sense of community and connection.”
3 Initiatives To Help Artists Thrive
In response to the challenges faced since the hurricane, ArtsvilleUSA has introduced several impactful initiatives aimed at nurturing the artistic spirit in Asheville:
1. Helene Stories Hotline
Launched in November, the Helene Stories Hotline (833-622-7871) is a way for artists and creatives to reach out, share their experiences, and articulate their visions for recovery. This hotline invites individuals to record their personal stories, capturing their feelings of sadness, anxiety, hope, and resilience. These narratives will be made available across various media platforms, shining a spotlight on the community’s creative journeys.
2. Visual Documentation of Impact
ArtsvilleUSA also joined forces with local photojournalist Michael Freas to visually document the aftermath of Helene. Focusing on studios, homes, and community gatherings, the goal is to bring national attention to local artists, helping them gain the support they need. And for those eager to view this work, a photography exhibit is currently displayed at the Ferguson Family YMCA, running through January.
3. A Tale of Two Cities Podcast
In a unique blend of storytelling and education, ArtsvilleUSA has unveiled a podcast titled A Tale of Two Cities. This series connects Asheville cultural leaders with those from New Orleans, who have navigated their own recovery from hurricanes over the past two decades. By sharing insights and lessons learned, this podcast aims to inspire local artists as they collaborate with organizations, government entities, and businesses to rebuild.
The Road Ahead
As the community rallies around these initiatives, ArtsvilleUSA hopes to keep a global spotlight on the artists of Western North Carolina. They’re working hard to preserve the rich cultural ethos here while enhancing what makes Asheville a must-visit destination for art lovers.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in supporting local artists, there’s plenty you can do! Check out www.artsvilleusa.com for more information on ways to contribute and uplift the artistic community as they move forward from this challenging chapter. In the spirit of collaboration and support, let us celebrate the resilience of the Asheville arts community, one brushstroke at a time!
