The Asheville Art Museum is presenting a new exhibit titled “Asheville Strong: Celebrating Art and Community After Hurricane Helene.” The exhibit showcases the resilience of Western North Carolina artists following the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene in late September. The exhibit features over 150 submissions from Southern Appalachian artists who were impacted by Helene. It includes a variety of artworks such as sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, and photography.
Jessica Orzulak, associate curator and manager of curatorial affairs, said, “Artists are integral to the bedrock of our communities in WNC. Our goal has been to create space for impacted artists to showcase their work to a broad public.”
The exhibit is meant to be a poignant, inspiring exhibition, reflecting the resilience, creativity, and unity of the arts community. It will open with a special reception and member preview on February 13, with public admission beginning February 14.
On March 15, the museum will host a “Community Day,” offering free admission to all visitors, with various tours, activities, and entertainment. Residents from Helene-impacted counties in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will have a “pay-what-you-wish” admission option. Nearly five months after Hurricane Helene ripped through western North Carolina, residents in Asheville are welcoming tourism back to the region.
Asheville Strong: Celebrating resilience in art
According to Mickey Poandl of Explore Asheville, roughly 90% of the town is back open. “We’re ready to write the next chapter of this mountain community,” Poandl said.
Hurricane Helene devastated the southeast, killing more than 230 people, 106 of whom lived in North Carolina. In Buncombe County, where Asheville resides, more than 40 people lost their lives during the storm. Tourists are encouraged to visit and support the local economy as the community continues its recovery.
Travelers recently explored the area to showcase what the city still has to offer its visitors post-Helene. Joe Diaz wrote enthusiastically about several restaurants, bars, and eateries in Asheville, including Sunny Point Café, 12 Bones Smokehouse, Gan Shan Station, and Rhubarb. He also recommended hotels such as AC Hotel by Marriott Asheville Downtown, Kimpton Hotel Arras, and The Windsor Boutique Hotel.
Asheville remains a resilient and welcoming destination, and these recommendations reflect the city’s unique charm and ongoing recovery.