Typically, we use this space to highlight a single arts venue in the greater Charlotte area. But after the devastation that has rocked our neighbors and friends in Western NC, we wanted to instead direct your attention to the many artists and art galleries in Asheville NC who currently need support. The River Arts District, a central hub for artists in Asheville, was particularly devastated. Artists lost entire bodies of work, their income source, and studio spaces they’d had for decades.
Here are but a few artists and art galleries in Asheville NC that could use your attention, support, and any assistance you can give.
Asheville Art Museum
Asheville Art Museum closed for several weeks following Helene. Donations are crucial to help the staff and teaching artists continue the museum’s mission of bringing art and creativity to the community.
RADA Foundation
Most of the 26 buildings experienced catastrophic destruction, including art, supplies and equipment. RADA’s goal is to assist artists as best they can with rent and supplies. Join to donate at sponsor levels, or choose the “help artists within our community” link on the website.
Love Asheville From Afar
This integrated website allows users to browse local stores with online retail, purchase gift cards for future use and make direct donations to businesses and nonprofit organizations. The Love Asheville From Afar initiative allows people to support our local economy even when they can’t visit in person.
Hannah Cole
Artist Hannan Cole lost everything from over 20 years of work in her studio that was along the Swannanoa River tributary. In addition to being a working artist, she also teaches finance to artists. You can support her by visiting her website or Instagram page.
Open Hearts Art Center
OHAC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit supportive studio and gallery dedicated to representing and empowering adults. OHAC can be supported through Venmo @openheartsartcenter.
Michael Sherrill & Mudtools
Mudtools, founded by Michael Sherrill, handmakes tools for artists and lost everything, including their entire office and production facility. Mudtools has started a Go Fund Me to help it recover from the hurricane.
The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+)
CERF+ is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to craft artists in the event of a disaster or emergency. CERF+ offers $3,000 grants to craft artists who have experienced a recent and disruptive disaster or emergency.
NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund
The North Carolina Arts Foundation is working to provide funding and assistance to artists and arts organizations. The grant application and disbursement process is still being designed, but you can fill out the information request form to stay up to date or to donate.
Cathy Nichols Art
The hurricaneestroyed Cathy’s art studio in the River Arts District along with her computer and digital art archive. She set up the “Help Cathy Helene Recovery Donations” fund in response, and is also donating 20% of everything collected to Asheville Recovery for businesses, artists and nonprofits to give back to the community.
ArtsAVL Emergency Relief Grant
Artists and art professionals of all disciplines in any WNC county impacted by the storm can apply for these $500 stipends. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. You can also fill out the WNC Creatives Needs Assessment Form, created jointly with WNC Arts, so that the organization can contact you as resources become available.
Creative Relief
Different WRLD launched an Instagram initiative, asking WNC creatives impacted by the storm to share their Venmo and CashApp details in the comments. The post asks those wishing to help to send funds directly to the artists..
For information about federal assistance and grants from national organizations, visit ArtsAVL’s page on emergency support resources.
discoverthecarolinas.com
@discoverthecarolinas
