Healing Through Helene: A Community United Through Art

Art has always been a source of resilience, connection, and healing. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many local artists found themselves facing devastating loss—studios damaged, materials destroyed, events canceled, and income lost. The creative community, which has long brought vibrancy to Henderson County and beyond, was suddenly in crisis.

In the days following the storm we began to understand the full scope of what had happened, not only to our little corner of Henderson County but to the entire Western North Carolina region. The folks at The Starving Artist began brainstorming ways to raise support for artists in need. That’s when the idea of an art show began to take hold. About that same time, The Arts Council of Henderson County was launching their Henderson County Artist Recovery Fund Grants, a crucial resource for artists who suffered losses due to the storm.

The Starving Artist, in collaboration with The Arts Council of Henderson County and Marked Tree Vineyard, is honored to host this special fundraiser event to support local artists affected by Hurricane Helene. The event will feature 100 12x12-inch works of art created by local artists and auctioned off to raise funds for the Henderson County Artist Recovery Fund Grants, a crucial resource for artists who suffered losses due to the storm.

Everyone at The Starving Artist and The Arts Council of Henderson County are dedicated to supporting and uplifting artists throughout our region. Healing Through Helene was created as a way to bring the community together and to provide direct financial relief to artists impacted by the storm.

Thanks to The Starving Artist, a beloved local art supply store, 100 artists across Western North Carolina (primarily Hendersonville, Asheville, Brevard and the Lake Lure area) were given one hundred 12x12 wood panels to transform into one-of-a-kind works of art. Each of these pieces will be auctioned off in an online gallery, with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward the Henderson County Artist Recovery Fund Grants through the Arts Council of Henderson County.

A Night of Art, Music, and Community Support

To celebrate the incredible works of art and maximize fundraising efforts, Marked Tree Vineyard will host a gallery viewing day on April 12th, allowing guests to explore the collection and place their bids. The day will conclude with a ticketed evening event, where attendees can:

Meet the artists behind the work
Enjoy a beautifully curated grazing table and floral displays
Listen to live music while sipping wine from one of the region’s most picturesque vineyards
Experience the grand finale of the auction, which will officially close at 7:30 PM

How You Can Help

Every bid and every ticket purchased directly supports local artists in need. This event is more than just an exhibition or fundraiser—it’s a testament to the strength of our creative community and the power of art to heal, restore, and bring people together.

Join us in showing up for the artists who have given so much to our region. Let’s help them rebuild and continue to create.

Stay tuned for auction details, event tickets, and ways to get involved. Together, we can ensure that the arts remain a beacon of hope and resilience in Henderson County.

14-Spring Tulips by Phyllis Peterson