Hurricane Helene devastates Asheville's arts community in 2024

On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, leading to severe flooding in the River Arts District (RAD) as the French Broad River crested at 24 feet on September 28, surpassing previous records. The storm caused extensive damage to the community, with many artists losing their studios and galleries, which were left mud-caked or crumbling. Among the affected was Carrington, who managed to save 80% of her artwork due to proactive measures taken by gallerists. However, many pieces were ruined by contamination from floodwaters. The devastation has left artists feeling overwhelmed and traumatized, questioning how they can rebuild their community and generate revenue moving forward. Bridget Benton, a mixed media artist, expressed concerns about the future of the RAD, noting that her fine art school, 310 Art, was completely decimated. The urgency for fundraising efforts has been emphasized, as artists fear that without immediate action, support may dwindle. As the community grapples with the aftermath, artists like Carrington are contemplating significant changes to their business models, including enhancing their online presence. The rebuilding process is expected to be challenging, with many artists uncertain about how to proceed in the wake of such destruction. The River Arts District, once a vibrant hub for creativity, now faces an uncertain future as its artists seek to recover from the losses inflicted by the hurricane and the flooding that followed.