‘From the Beginning’: Hurricane Helene in Photographs

Editor’s note: This feature was written in collaboration with Asheville photographer Michael Freas.

“Photography has always been more than just a passion for me,” says Asheville artist Michael Freas. “It's a way to document the world's raw beauty and untold stories.” This sentiment resonates deeply in his latest exhibition, Hurricane Helene: From the Beginning, currently on view at the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler.

Presented by ArtsvilleUSA, the exhibit showcases Michael’s powerful photojournalistic portrayal of the devastation and resilience following one of the deadliest inland hurricanes on record. “When Hurricane Helene barreled toward us, I knew it was a story I had to tell through my lens,” he says. “The photos in this exhibit are not merely images; they are tales of courage, nature's fury, and hope. Each shot is a testament to our community's spirit and the sheer power of nature.”

Through compelling imagery, Michael captures the storm's immediate impact and reflects the Asheville community's enduring spirit in the face of adversity. “Growing up in our community, I've come to cherish the unique blend of resilience and warmth that defines us, especially in the face of challenges,” he says. “These images evoke reflection and appreciation for the place we call home and the people who make it remarkable.”

Hurricane Helene: From the Beginning runs through February 28, 2025, at the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler, NC. Learn more about Michael Freas here.

Downtown Asheville, Bowen Bridge

The French Broad River surges through downtown Asheville, shoving a car under the Bowen Bridge like a ping-pong ball.

French Broad River

Two members of the Asheville Fire Department's Swiftwater rescue team skillfully navigate the turbulent waters of the French Broad River as debris from Second Gear clogs their path.

River Arts District, Riverside Drive

Spectators gather to witness a shipping container drifting down Riverside Drive in Asheville's River Arts District amidst the floods.

Swannanoa River Road, S. Tunnel Road

A man clings desperately to the top of overturned shipping containers atop a bridge. At the same time, search and rescue teams strive to reach him.

Swannanoa River, Tunnel Road

A veteran residing at the Veterans Restoration Quarters on Tunnel Road salvages what he can after the Swannanoa River's flood waters ravage the area.

River Arts District, Second Gear

Debris carried through the River Arts District comes to rest inside Second Gear, the outdoor store in Asheville's River Arts District.

River Arts District, Cotton Mill Studios

As the floodwaters recede, Cotton Mill Studios in the River Arts District reveals a high water line almost four feet above the first floor.

Tunnel Road

Three Spectrum engineers are assessing where to place new poles to restore fiber optic lines in the Tunnel Road area.

Downtown Asheville, Mellow Mushroom

Mellow Mushroom in downtown Asheville opens its doors, offering free pizzas to families impacted by the storm.

River Arts District, Marquee

Inside Marquee Asheville, salvageable relics line the walls, with rippled dried mud etching the floors after the flood.

River Arts District, Marquee

Artist Lee Miller sorts through remnants of his exhibition at Marquee Asheville, where floodwaters reached the umbrellas.

Pisgah National Forest

Deforestation heavily impacts Pisgah National Forest, with over 822,000 acres of timber damaged, leading to an estimated $210 million in losses to the timber industry. The south-facing hillsides suffer tremendously from uprooted trees and tornadic winds.

Michael Freas Photography: Website | Instagram

This feature has been edited for length and clarity. All photos published with permission of Michael Freas Photography.