Village Artist Market owner Naomi Duncan, left, with This Old House homeowner Paula Hennon accepting art by local artist Jeff Pittman
The crew of the PBS series This Old House recently stopped by Historic Biltmore Village to film at the newly opened Village Artist Market as part of its special “Carolina Comeback” season, which follows five Western North Carolina families as they rebuild their homes and their lives.
The opportunity for the visit grew out of the crew’s interest in learning how the storm reshaped Biltmore Village. “This Old House reached out to Robert Griffin, a well-known local architect and owner of 32 All Souls Crescent—our home at Village Artist Market,” says Naomi Duncan, owner of Village Artist Market. “They were gathering stories about how Hurricane Helene impacted Biltmore Village, and our space naturally became part of that conversation. They were genuinely interested in the artists’ stories and the spirit of rebuilding that’s taken root here.”
Village Artist Market artists chose to donate original artwork to each of the families featured in the series. “Our artists know firsthand the loss that Hurricane Helene brought, having seen their own studios and artwork swept away,” says Duncan. “Yet even in the midst of rebuilding their own creative lives, they chose generosity—donating pieces of art to help restore a sense of beauty, comfort and belonging for the families whose homes were lost.”
From left, Naomi Duncan, owner of Village Artist Market; artist Leana McGuire; Kevin O’Connor, This Old House host; Richard Trethewey, This Old House plumbing and heating expert; artist Raphaella Vaisseau
Artists personally guided each family through the gallery to select pieces for their new spaces. “When the art they chose captured a warm memory, they were deeply emotional,” says Duncan. “There were tears, smiles and quiet moments of gratitude.”
The long-term vision for Village Artist Market reaches far beyond retail. Duncan wants the space to support creative recovery well into the future. “Our hope is that Village Artist Market continues to be a place where artists can rebuild—not just their studios but their confidence, their connections and their creative lives,” says Duncan. “We will be offering art classes, ‘Meet the Artist’ evenings and pop-up markets that give other local creators the opportunity to show their work in Biltmore Village. Our hope is that Village Artist Market remains a living, evolving space where creativity continues to heal and inspire.”
The first episode of the Carolina Comeback season aired on September 25. Episodes can be watched at ThisOldHouse.com/Carolina-Comeback. Village Artist Market is located 32 All Souls Crescent, Asheville. Learn more at VillageArtistMarket.com.
