The Asheville Art Museum is proud to present Asheville Strong: Celebrating Art and Community After Hurricane Helene, a poignant and inspiring exhibition on view February 13–May 5, 2025, in the Appleby Foundation Exhibition Hall. This non-juried exhibition showcases the works of artists from the Helene-affected Appalachia region, celebrating their resilience, creativity, and strength while highlighting the power of art to inspire and bring communities together.
The Museum issued an open call for artist submissions, collaborating with local and regional arts networks to reach artists from the Southern Appalachian community impacted by Hurricane Helene. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with over 150 submissions showcasing a diverse range of works.
“Hurricane Helene was devastating for everyone, and as a public-serving arts institution, we really wanted to recognize the impact the storm had on artists,” said Jessica Orzulak, Associate Curator and Manager of Curatorial Affairs. “Artists are an 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, opportunities for artists to connect with each other and collectors, and a means for us all to join together in a collective act of resilience.”
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Asheville Strong features a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Each work is accompanied by the artist’s information, allowing viewers to connect and learn more about the creators.
“The Asheville Art Museum, since 1948, has celebrated artists and art of the region,” says Pam Myers, Executive Director. “Asheville Strong continues this tradition and will provide a needed place for gathering, contemplation, inspiration, remembrance, and celebration as our region continues on the path to recovery.”
Important Dates:
- Thursday, February 13, 3:30–6 PM: Opening Reception and Member Preview—A special afternoon honoring artists and their families.
- Friday, February 14: Opening Day (Included with Museum admission).
- Saturday, March 15, 12–5 PM: Community Day—A free community event celebrating the artists and the exhibition, featuring related tours, activities, and entertainment for all ages.
For updates on exhibitions, programs, and admission details, visit ashevilleart.org.
Exhibition Support:
This exhibition has been made possible through the generous support of The Americana Foundation, with additional support from ArtsAVL.
Pay-What-You-Wish Admission:
In response to Tropical Storm Helene, the Museum is pleased to offer pay-what-you-wish admission for residents of affected counties. This initiative aims to provide a welcoming space for those impacted by the storm, inviting community members to experience art as a source of solace, inspiration, and recovery.
Eligible Residents:
- North Carolina: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, Yancy.
- Tennessee: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington.
- Georgia: Rabun.
- Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Pay-as-you-wish admission for residents of Hurricane Helene-affected counties is generously supported by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
Visit ashevilleart.org for more information.