Asheville River Arts District picking up pieces after Helene

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) — The River Arts District, a cornerstone of Asheville’s vibrant creative scene, has been left in ruins after severe flooding from the French Broad River caused by Hurricane Helene.

Artists, who rely on their studios and galleries as both workspaces and livelihoods, now face an uncertain future as they deal with the destruction.

Riverview Station, a key building in the district, was one of the hardest hit. The floodwaters surged to the second floor of the building, leaving behind scenes of unimaginable destruction. Artists who once filled the space with creativity and collaboration are now sorting through debris and trying to salvage what little they can.

For artist Robin McCoy, the loss is particularly painful. A three-decade veteran in the art world, McCoy moved to Asheville just three years ago to join the River Arts District.

“It feels almost insurmountable when you see the loss,” McCoy said. “You’re building up, working toward something … Overnight, it just got flooded and washed away.”

The financial implications are severe since many artists rely on the work that was destroyed.

“Maybe younger artists who just got here and lost all their inventory this might be a deal breaker,” McCoy said. “Or maybe older artists who say, ‘I’m not doing this again.’”

Jeffrey Burroughs, president of the River Arts District Artists, estimates that 80 percent of the district has been destroyed, affecting over 300 working artists who have lost their studios, equipment and cherished artwork.

“The shock is starting to wear off … These buildings have to be taken down to the studs,” Burroughs said. “It felt so hopeless … The dreams and everything we’ve worked for are literally being washed away.”

In the face of adversity, some artists are stepping up to help their peers. Philip DeAngelo, owner of a studio in the River Arts District, was fortunate that his space was not severely damaged.

He has converted it into a makeshift kitchen, providing thousands of meals to fellow artists who have lost nearly everything in the flooding.

“We put out tables and chairs outside not just to deliver food but to create a place where people can come and talk to other artists going through the same thing,” DeAngelo said.

His studio has also become a meeting place for the River Arts District Artists, facilitating discussions on cleanup efforts, supply distribution and rebuilding efforts.

Artists are encouraging community members to support them by purchasing salvaged artwork online or donating to the River Arts District Fund.

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