Asheville’s River Arts District Rises from Hurricane Helene’s Ashes, Embracing Recovery and Community Spirit

Asheville’s River Arts District: A Community on the Mend

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The River Arts District, known for its vibrant art scene and local flair, is on a journey of recovery and renewal after the recent devastation brought by Hurricane Helene. It’s hard to believe that just over six weeks ago, this beloved area was flooded, with an astonishing 80% of the district suffering severe damage from the rising waters. Local businesses are hustling to pick up the pieces and adapt to a new normal as they transition from recovery to actual rebuilding.

Small Businesses Step Up Despite Challenges

Among those working tirelessly to restore their operations is the North Carolina Glass Center. Studio manager Joseph Nicholson expressed that there was a moment when they questioned whether reopening was even the right decision. “Initially, we were unsure if it would be worth it,” he said. When they finally opened their doors again, they were welcomed by a small but eager crowd. However, the numbers still fell short of what they relied on before the storm swamped the area.

“Sales have been kind of decent, but we’ve gone from seeing 30 to 40 folks a day to a mere four to five,” he shared. Recognizing the necessity of community support, they participated in RADFest over the past weekend, an event aimed at spurring revitalization in the district, and Nicholson remarked it was a great turnout, something they desperately needed.

Bringing Back the Community Spirit

Despite the recovery efforts being visible, many in the community are still unsure about the safety or status of the district, as Nicholson pointed out. “We’re so close to everything that they don’t even know if this area’s open, and we are,” he explained. Unfortunately, the slow recovery has also led to hard decisions for other businesses. Classes that usually thrived during this time were either canceled or postponed, forcing some places to lay off staff. “We lost a big chunk of revenue because of the timing,” he lamented. “If we don’t have classes, we can’t hire our instructors.”

Community Art as a Beacon of Hope

Just nearby, Philip DeAngelo Studio is also feeling the impact of the storm. Gallery director Greg Vineyard described the studio as a “landing point” in the district—a vital hub for art and culture. He elaborated, “We often see things first. We watched the devastation out the back windows.” For Vineyard, opening again wasn’t just about business; it was about restoring joy and connection to the community.

“We just need to be there for people. Reopening is vital not only for our own survival but to invite the public back into the beauty of Asheville,” he stated. “People need a space to enjoy both the art and the beauty of this place, especially after everything.”

The Path to Recovery

Asheville’s River Arts District is not just about art; it’s about community and resilience. Businesses are rallying to support each other while fighting to keep their doors open. One of the best ways to help these local treasures recover is to simply “show up and shop,” as they say. Purchasing art and participating in local classes can significantly lessen the financial blow and help re-establish the vibrant life that made the district special.

Now more than ever, the River Arts District is a reminder of how communities can band together through tough times. Although the road to complete recovery is still ahead, the spirit of Asheville—a place filled with creativity, passion, and dedication—shines through brilliantly as they rebuild and grow.

Let’s Keep Supporting Asheville!

With art and community at its core, the River Arts District in Asheville is slowly finding its way back, proving that even after the hardest times, the bonds shared can lead to a fresh start.