River Arts District: Devastated by Helene
The afternoon of our third day of our June 2023 Asheville, North Carolina trip was to be published today. It highlighted our visit to Asheville’s River Arts District.
I pulled the post in light of the devastation from Hurricane Helene surrounding Asheville and ongoing relief efforts.
Once a collection of abandoned warehouses, it was a thriving haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
It’s heartbreaking seeing these images.
Last June, I scored a free spot in the North Carolina Glass Center hot shop where Dan taught me how to create a glass paperweight. I bought my favorite ballcap that says, “Live Life Artfully” from Hofman Studios. Artist Michael Hofman offered us scrumptious lemon shortbread cookies that he baked himself. He even emailed us the recipe!
I remember talking to many of the other 650 artists who made their living in this creative community.
Now, I can’t stop thinking about them.
I’ve reached out to the author of this Blue Ridge Public Radio article to see if there is a way to support the River Arts District artists directly, many who have lost their livelihood.
I’ll keep you posted if I hear anything…meanwhile, I’ve donated to BeLoved Asheville.
Thanks for posting this, Deb. Heartbreaking.
Heartbreaking. And the loss of life from this storm is shocking. I'm thankful for all the beautiful photos from this area you have shared in the past. They are all on my mind as well.