End of Year πŸ”΄ Small Works Challenge 2024

Hope in the Face of Loss: A Message to Artists

As I sit here reflecting on the events of this past weekend, I’m reminded of how fragile life—and art—can be. Hurricane Helene tore through Asheville, leaving devastation in its wake. The arts community wasn’t spared. Artists I know personally have lost everything—studios are destroyed, artwork is gone, and families are reeling from the chaos. Yet, amidst all this loss, one thing still remains: hope.

The Power of Hope in Times of Crisis

Hope is often the last thing we cling to. It’s the thread that keeps us moving forward, especially in the face of hardship. As artists, hope fuels our creativity. Each brushstroke, every drop of ink, paint, or pixel carries with it the potential for something beautiful, meaningful, and extraordinary. Even when our art doesn’t turn out the way we envisioned, hope keeps us trying again.

But hope isn’t just a quiet, internal feeling. It’s something we can give to others. Right now, our fellow artists in Asheville need that hope. They’ve lost their tools, their materials, their spaces—everything that allows them to create. But their spirit? That’s something no storm can take away.

Extending Hope to the Asheville Art Community

In times like these, the strength of the artist community truly shines. We’re resilient, and we know how to support each other. When we reach out to help, hope becomes tangible. It’s not just something we feel, it’s something we do.

I want to encourage you to join me in bringing hope to the artists of Asheville. My artist friend Luis Sahagun is accepting donation as he is already on the ground providing water and gas for those in need. You can help by donating to the NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund, which directly supports artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene. Every bit counts, and when you give, be sure to enter the word “RELIEF” in the donation description.

You can donate here: NC Arts Foundation

Photo by: Jacob Biba / Asheville Citizen Times / USA Today Network

 

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