Visit studios along Roberts Street, Clingman Avenue, and Depot Street. | Photo by AVLtoday
Much of the River Arts District suffered immense devastation. Helene left nearly 80% of the district destroyed, according to ArtsAVL Executive Director Katie Cornell. But even as work continues to salvage the area, its artists are returning with heart and tenacity.
In a celebration of strength, the RAD will host a soft opening on Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10. From noon to sunset, Roberts Street, Clingman Avenue, and Depot Street (down to 362 Depot St. by NorthLight Studios) will welcome patrons with open studios + galleries, music, and food trucks.
“We wanted to do something to show our resiliency and to celebrate our community and also give an opportunity for locals to come and support us to ensure that we can persevere through one of the most challenging times, economically, emotionally, and physically,” said River Arts District Artists President Jeffrey Burroughs.
The soft opening weekend will also launch a weekly art market, where displaced artists will sell their work in the parking lot of Pine Gate Renewables at 130 Roberts St. You’re encouraged, if you can, to walk to the event or carpool to mitigate parking issues.
Additional ways to support
The River Arts District Artists post daily volunteer needs to Instagram, detailing how you can show up to help and listing items you can donate to support cleanup.
The financial needs of the area are great too — so you can also make a donation to the Flood Relief Fund. Donations are distributed in a three-phase process, and the first phase, which is currently active, allows any RAD artist to get an emergency stipend. Phase two will aid those who were most greatly impacted, like those who lost galleries, and phase three will support recovery.
News Notes
News Notes
Announced
Dogwood Health Trust added $20+ million to its initial $30 million in grants to local organizations supporting Helene recovery. This funding includes $10 million to create the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative, which will offer grants of up to $25,000 to significantly damaged small businesses that make less than $1 million in revenue.
Health
At yesterday’s briefing, Buncombe County Health and Human Services Medical Director Dr. Jenniffer Mullendore spoke about the increased risk of gastroenteritis — stomach and intestinal illness, commonly known as stomach flu — after major flooding events like Helene. Learn more about the general causes, public health data review, and preventative measures you can take.
Arts
Craft Your Commerce, an entrepreneurial program of Mountain BizWorks, hosts weekly virtual support service calls for artists and creatives. The next call is this Friday, Nov. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with an accountant, e-commerce specialist, grant writers, and an HR specialist available to answer recovery questions — RSVP to attend.
Community
The Bull and Beggar received a $5,000 grant from the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County for severe flood damage. The society is currently accepting applications for its Preservation Grants Program, offering $500 to $5,000 to support historic structures affected by Hurricane Helene. See the details and application.
Shop
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 9, The Grey Eagle will host the weekly Rebuild RAD Local Market, where folks can buy art from local artists who have lost their studios. You can shop every Saturday through December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Open
The Asheville Art Museum reopens today, Oct. 30 with pay-what-you-can admission for visitors in counties affected by Helene. The Perspective Café will be open for refreshments, the museum store will be open to shop goods from WNC artists, and art and wellness-focused activities will take place on the plaza and in the atrium.
Cause
Turkey donations are needed for 12 Baskets Cafe’s Thanksgiving meal. If you’d like to donate a cooked or uncooked turkey, contact the Asheville Poverty Initiative via Instagram or email.
Development
On Monday, Nov. 18, Mountain Housing Opportunities will break ground on Lakeshore Villas, a 120-unit affordable housing community in South Asheville. The complex will span three buildings, including 35 one-bedroom, 64 two-bedroom, and 21 three-bedroom units for families earning up to 60% of the area median income.
Open
It’s official:Wicked Weed West reopens today with regular hours. The pet-friendly brewery offers indoor + outdoor spaces to grab a pint.*
Glen Bridge River Park is now open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Photo via Buncombe County
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
Tuesday, Oct. 29
More Buncombe County parks open
Buncombe County Parks and Rec have opened Glen Bridge and Corcoran Paige river parks but advises against using the river.
Additionally, the disc golf course at Buncombe County Sports Park is now open. The park is currently being used as a community care station, so make sure to avoid parking in areas being used for those services if you’re looking to use the course or other open parts of the park — you can park by fields one, two, eight, and nine.
Hominy Valley Park, North Buncombe Fields, and the Cane Creek Playground have also opened. Reminder: Do not try to visit Buncombe County parks that are not open.
A great deal for the holidays ahead — get 18 bottles of wine for $79 plus shipping. Choose from red, white, or a variety pack of red, white, and rosé. Hello, stocked bar for holiday hosting season.
The Carolina Hurricanes have lent a helping hand to the Asheville Hockey League, donating $50,000 to rebuild the rink in Carrier Park. The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation has also committed to matching the money raised in the Asheville Hockey League’s GoFundMe when it hits $25,000 to help the league reach its $100,000 goal.
