Asheville, North Carolina's arts scene has boosted the economy. Reconstruction will be difficult.

Trumpower works at Southside Studios, a collective workspace run by a fellow artist on the banks of the Swannanoa River in South Asheville. Trumpower, who spent the run-up to the storm packing up pottery and pieces from other local artists, said no one at the time expected the flooding to be as severe as it was.

The next morning, Trumpower drove to the studio owner’s house and discovered that “she had gone to look at the studio. When she came back she said, ‘Our entire studio is gone.'”

The owner posted a video of the flooding on Instagram and wrote: “I’m in complete shock.”

Sara Legaski, owner of House of Kismet on Foundy Street, said the vintage clothing store and art gallery were destroyed and her insurance told her none of her losses would be covered.

“There should have been a more urgent appeal to people to prepare,” she said, echoing growing criticism after the hurricane. “If you really want to get down to business, we should address climate change,” she added, pointing out that “every time it rains, more water goes into the river.”

At least 70 people died in Buncombe County from the storm; many more remain missing or displaced. The mountainous region, known for its winding and narrow roads, remains largely impassable due to road closures and road collapses. Many residents without power are still waiting for food, water and medical care. Legaski and other Asheville residents say looting has occurred as essentials remain in short supply.

“The devastation was incredible, and even if you prepare for something like this, it’s something that’s never been seen before in western North Carolina,” Gov. Roy Cooper said during a visit to the area Monday.

Officials at the Penland School of Craft near Bakersville, North Carolina, a well-known hub for students and visiting artists, said a whitewater rescue team showed up at the facility after the storm. “They needed a place to sleep and a hot meal,” said Mia Hall, Penland’s executive director. Therefore, the rescuers were housed for the night in the facility, which includes accommodation, a dining hall and a self-contained water system.

“Organizations like ours are critical to these small communities because they are often the glue that holds this creative community together,” she said.

Hall said a group of Penland artists banded together to deliver supplies to neighbors, in some cases breaking into nearby homes with chainsaws to reach trapped residents.

River Arts District. — The River Arts District has long been home to galleries, art studios and cafes.Jeff Greenberg / Universal Images Group via Getty Images file

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, suffered no damage, but its neighbors did. So museum staff began visiting displaced people’s shelters and distributing art sets to families, said museum director Stephan Dragisic.

“We are at a vulnerable point where every act of kindness is so appreciated and every act of humanity is so necessary,” he said. “The museum exists to do this kind of work where we reach beyond the walls.”

Dragisic couldn’t say what the region’s future might look like, but he’s already thinking about how to bring visitors back.

“Come and fall in love with this area and help us share the stories of this area and also help us protect the area,” he said.

Alexandra Byrne

George Solis contributed.

Asheville, North Carolina’s arts scene has boosted the economy. Reconstruction will be difficult.

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