Arts Communities

RAD Artists Unite in Effort to Rebuild, Recover

Photo by Renee Treece

The creative nature inherent in artists, along with a lot of determination and optimism, are fueling plans to rebuild Asheville’s beloved River Arts District (RAD), a thriving area for the arts since artists began moving into the historic buildings in the 1980s and turning them into vibrant art studios and galleries. When Hurricane Helene roared into Western North Carolina on September 26, the RAD bore the full brunt of floodwaters. Eighty percent of the District was damaged and nearly half of its artists displaced.

Almost immediately afterwards, the River Arts District Association (RADA) rolled up its sleeves and got to work, initiating a comprehensive recovery plan to support affected artists and look to the future for revitalization of the RAD’s arts scene. Highlights of the plan include fundraising to assist artists with repairs and replacement of materials, helping displaced artists find temporary and permanent spaces, securing large donations of art supplies that go directly to artists and fostering collaborative community projects among artists.

In Phase 1, artists are being helped monetarily. “Currently, RADA is distributing a $300 stipend to artists that were members of RADA and were showing in the RAD during the storm,” says Heather Divoky, RADA’s marketing chair. “We are also giving $150 to non-member artists showing in the RAD during the storm as well.” Phase 2 will include grants to benefit artists directly, and Phase 3 will include larger-scale projects. “In addition,” says Divoky, “we are working with our partners in Asheville and from the City to find space for displaced artists. We’re also collecting and distributing art supplies for artists, which has already started happening. Just last week Bob Ross, Inc. donated eight pallets of art supplies for artists in the RAD!”

Photo by Renee Treece

A scroll through social media sites for artists and studios shows an astounding drive and willingness to volunteer, shovel out, clean up, feed and help one another—all actions necessary to get to a day when the District can thrive again. Perhaps no one seeing the devastation immediately afterward could have dreamed that less than a month and a half afterwards, on November 9, artists would be able to host visitors again with a two-day soft opening—RadFest 1.0. Participating were the studios that received not as much damage and were able to reopen as well as many displaced artists. “Holy moly!,” Divoky says. “I have never seen the community come out and show up like that before! On both days, we had thousands of visitors supporting artists in ways I personally have never seen. It was a moment of resilience and a moment of normalcy. Every community member I talked to was nothing but supportive. I think I can speak for most of the artists when I say we all felt the love those two days.”

Although it’s too soon to say what a newly rebuilt RAD will look like, collaborative projects among artists including auctions, art sales and fundraisers are in the works—bringing awareness and much-needed funds to artists who are hoping to rebuild and regain their livelihoods.

Robert Nicholas, owner of Marquee Asheville, is one of those looking ahead with optimism. Marquee’s 50,000-square-foot building on Foundy Street was devastated by floodwaters. Home to small businesses, makers and antique dealers, the marketplace also housed the art of more than 300 artists. “Marquee and Foundy Street are seeing a lot of positive improvement through clean-up efforts with both volunteers and contracted assistance,” Nicholas says. “Marquee is moving forward with the rebuild. We do, however, need financial support to see it through to fruition.” For those wanting to help, find a link to Marquee’s GoFundMe page at MarqueeAsheville.com.

“We are all of us—every single RAD artist—working in some way to rebuild,” says Divoky. “Riverview Station, as of mid-November, is still in the middle of volunteer clean-up. So is Trackside. Folks who have studios have made room for displaced artists. The only constant in life is change, and artists know this. It’s why we are so adaptable. And it will work in our favor.”

To stay informed about efforts in the River Arts District, follow on Instagram (riverartsdistrictasheville). For more information about recovery efforts, upcoming events and how to contribute, visit RiverArtsDistrict.com.

Leave a Comment