Asheville's Art Hub Struggles to Recover After Devastating Floods
Asheville's River Arts District faces uncertain future after Hurricane Helene's floods. Artists struggle to salvage work as the area, crucial to local tourism, grapples with extensive damage and potential redevelopment concerns.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Asheville's renowned River Arts District finds itself in a state of disarray. The French Broad River, the third oldest river in the world, has transformed from a scenic backdrop into a destructive force, carrying away the livelihood of numerous artists and designers.
The district, stretching along a one-mile section of the river, has been a cornerstone of Buncombe County's tourism industry. Home to 300 artists across 26 buildings, it has been a hub for creativity and commerce, generating $1 billion in sales and supporting 8,500 jobs annually. However, the recent floods have jeopardized this thriving ecosystem.
Karen Maugans, a fine arts photographer, shared her experience: "Every single thing I had was underwater." Her gallery, situated on the ground floor of a two-story building, saw floodwaters reach the roof.
The River Arts District's transformation from an industrial area to an arts hub began in 1985, receiving official designation in 2005. This change revitalized the area, previously home to factories and warehouses. The district's evolution mirrors Asheville's broader development, blending its industrial past with a vibrant arts scene.
Asheville, known as the "Land of the Sky" due to its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. Katie Cornell, executive director of Arts AVL, noted, "A lot of our businesses were just beginning to recover from closures during COVID. I'm afraid this is going to make COVID look like a cakewalk."
The flood's impact extends beyond immediate damage. There are concerns about the district's future, with fears of gentrification and big-box stores potentially altering its character. Michael Hofmann, a pottery artist, expressed doubts about the district's ability to maintain its pre-storm identity.
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm, has caused widespread devastation across six states. In Asheville, the French Broad River reached a record-breaking 25 feet, surpassing the previous high set in 1895.
Despite the challenges, the community's resilience shines through. Jeffrey Burroughs, president of the River Arts District Artists association, highlighted efforts to support affected artists, with some offering to share gallery space with less fortunate neighbors.
As cleanup efforts continue, the district faces an uncertain future. The area's rich history, from its days as an industrial hub to its transformation into an arts district, adds complexity to rebuilding efforts. The community's hope is that the district's unique character, which has made Asheville a cultural destination, can be preserved amidst the recovery process.
"We're worried that some big-box stores could gobble this up, change the flavor of the district. But we're mountain strong. I'm hoping enough of this will survive, or Asheville is changed forever."
The River Arts District's plight reflects broader challenges faced by Asheville, a city known for its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and farm-to-table food culture. As the community rallies to rebuild, the hope is that the spirit of creativity and resilience that has defined Asheville will guide its recovery and future development.
