October 2024 Roundup: Reporting on the River Arts District and Rebuilding Asheville’s Creative Ecosystem

I remember the very first Jazz Fest in New Orleans—I grew up costuming and throwing beads every year on Mardi Gras. I also remember Hurricane Katrina. The storm hit hard, impacting everything from the arts district to the business sector, leaving a lasting mark on the city and culture I love. For many years, I played a role in developing New Orleans’ robust cultural tourism. Now, I find my feet again firmly planted in the realities of rebuilding a creative economy, this time in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.

What will it take for Asheville to recover? We need a united community effort that transcends county lines, programs, and funding. Collaborating across government, business, and the arts, with a strong emphasis on our craft culture, is essential to preserve this special place. Hurricanes and climate disasters are not isolated incidents but recurring catastrophes that destroy homes, families, communities, and cultural assets. Our artists’ resilience, teamwork, and determination can serve as a model for other cities facing recovery challenges. Recovery requires commitment from all of us—artists, organizations, and communities—working toward common goals.

ArtsvilleUSA serves artists across all 23 counties in our region. To better serve the community, we’re recentering our programming—local arts coverage and an award-winning crafts podcast—on regional artists and organizations impacted by Hurricane Helene. We’d also like to welcome a new team member to ArtsvilleUSA: Michael Freas, an Asheville-based photographer whose extensive experience shooting hurricanes will help us tell the evolving story of WNC’s recovery.

Share your story with ArtsvilleUSA by emailing our editor, Morgan Laurens, or calling our hotline (833-622-7871), where you can share personal anecdotes, tips, and leads. Callers have the option of leaving an anonymous message if they choose. We aim to share these stories with our global following to keep the spirit of recovery alive and inspire a vibrant future for Western North Carolina. Together, we can ensure that this literal rising tide lifts all boats.

Artfully yours,

Rising Above the Flood: Resilience in Asheville’s River Arts District After Hurricane Helene

On Friday, September 27, 2024, record-breaking floodwaters from the French Broad River surged through Asheville’s low-lying River Arts District (RAD), reaching over 16 feet before noon. Water poured into the district’s southernmost string of buildings on Foundy Street, including Marquee, an enormous warehouse that, until two weeks ago, functioned as a bustling marketplace for 240 makers and antique dealers. When Hurricane Helene roared through the mountain enclave of Western North Carolina midway through Atlantic hurricane season, Marquee vendors and RAD artists were left to sift through soggy paintings, textiles, and prints in the storm’s aftermath.

We were lucky enough to speak with River Arts District Artist Association President Jeffrey Burroughs shortly after Hurricane Helene destroyed approximately “80 percent of [the RAD].”

Read our interview with Jeffrey Burroughs here.

Catch Up On Our September Stories

A month ago, our lives turned upside down. We found it difficult to think about publishing our end-of-month newsletter while loved ones went without power and potable water. Those who missed our September newsletter can now catch up on ArtsvilleUSA stories about Enka and Candler, The Kitagawa School, and Jamie Karolich of Craft Your Commerce.

While these stories, penned pre-Helene, feel at odds with our new reality, these regional artists and organizations need our support now more than ever.

Read our September Roundup here.

News + Notes From Asheville and Beyond

Here’s where we share quick craft bites for busy hands and hungry minds. This month, we’re focused on providing resources to our community of artists.

Support ArtsvilleUSA Artists Directly

Please consider supporting regional artists by shopping locally. While tourism isn’t yet encouraged, plenty of WNC artists have online shops where patrons can purchase jewelry, prints, and ceramics.

Amy Massey: While Amy Massey’s RAD studio narrowly escaped destruction, the watercolorist’s livelihood remains in question as tourist season speeds by without the requisite tourists. Shop Amy’s prints here.

Andrea Kulish: Andrea Kulish of Studio A at Pink Dog Creative specializes in Ukrainian Pysanky eggs, printmaking, and graphic design. Shop her quirky ornaments, notecards, and stickers here.

Angela Alexander: Nicknamed the "dog lady," Angela Alexander's funky pet portraits are the perfect gift for the dog (or penguin) lover in your life. While original paintings are available, paper and metal prints offer a more affordable option. Shop here.

Cynthia Llanes: With a studio in the RAD, Asheville painter Cynthia Llanes says the damage to her space, equipment, and materials “has been overwhelming.” Support Cynthia by visiting her GoFundMe page or heading to her online shop, where patrons can browse gorgeous landscapes of the area.

Erin Keane: Instructor Erin Keane lost exhibition space at Riverview Station’s (310 ART and Tyger Tyger) and Southern Highland Craft Guild, both destroyed in the storm. Erin will donate 40 percent of all artwork sales to the recovery fund for 310 ART. Shop here.

Max Cooper: Photographer Max Cooper is donating 50 percent of proceeds from his print “The Craggy Pinnacle Birch” to Asheville families whose homes were destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Shop here.

Nina Veteto: Describing herself as a “long-time forager, explorer, plant lover, and art maker,” Nina Veteto of Blue Ridge Botanicals designs work that reflects the natural beauty of Western North Carolina. Shop her Field Guide Bandana of Appalachian Wildflowers here.

Penland Gallery: 100 percent of proceeds go toward WNC artists impacted by Hurricane Helene. Shop here.

Wendy Newman: A Marquee artist, Wendy Newman is known for the colorful umbrellas that hang from the rafters of the water-logged building, even now. Shop Wendy’s colorful umbrellas, scarves, and leggings here.

Opportunities for Artists

Funding: In response to Hurricane Helene, the Center for Craft has reactivated the Craft Futures Fund. This program will provide one-time, unrestricted $500 emergency relief funding to artists in the region. Learn more here.

Exhibition: Weizenblatt Gallery at Mars Hill University is accepting art for Ghosts From Helene, a show of works salvaged after the hurricane. The entry deadline is Friday, Dec. 6. Apply here with up to three works of art.

Events

Asheville Art in the Park: This “handmade market for professional artists” occurs at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville on the first three Saturdays in November. Learn more here.

Lifetime Installation: Flat Rock sculptor David Macvaugh’s “Lifetime” installation runs through Fri. Oct. 25 at Studio 116 in Henderson. Viewings by appointment only. Learn more here.

Special Thanks to Our Partners