In the wake of the devastating floods that hit Asheville, North Carolina, the community is rallying together to transform a tragic event into a powerful symbol of resilience and artistic expression. The Local Cloth art studio, a cornerstone of the city's creative scene, is at the heart of this initiative, using art as a means of healing and community building.
The flood, known as the Helene flood, caused extensive damage to the studio, with looms destroyed, furniture scattered, and countless hours of work lost in a thick layer of mud. However, the community's response has been nothing short of inspiring. Beth Sellars, the retail chair of Local Cloth, shared her experience, stating, 'They're the things that we love to make and there's lots of love that goes into them. So, to be walking on people's product was pretty heartbreaking.'
Despite the devastation, the studio managed to reopen last September, thanks to the generosity of its members and grants. Now, the community is once again coming together to support the studio through an art project that marks the height reached by the floodwater during Helene. This project is a testament to the community's resilience and their desire to commemorate the event in a meaningful way.
Celine Vivero, an artist contributing to the project, expressed her emotions, saying, 'When it went under, I was really sad. I cried and I was really afraid they weren't going to come back, but now that they are back, I'm very happy and I want to participate.' This sentiment reflects the collective spirit of the community, where individuals are not just rebuilding but also finding ways to honor the past and look towards the future.
The art project involves creating fiber art strips, each measuring 6" x 2", which will be placed side-by-side along the waterline inside the studio. Carol Jensen, a contributor to the project, offered a powerful message, stating, 'Above the waterline, we're above it. We're going to conquer it.' This phrase encapsulates the community's determination to rise above adversity and move forward with strength and unity.
The project is open to all, and those who couldn't attend the drop-in activity can still contribute by submitting their fiber art strips through September 1. The strips will be collected and displayed as a powerful symbol of the community's collective memory and resilience. The dedication of the project is set for September 27, marking a significant milestone in the city's recovery and artistic expression.
This initiative is a beautiful example of how art can serve as a powerful tool for community healing and remembrance. It transforms a tragic event into a celebration of the community's strength and unity, ensuring that the memory of the flood and the studio's resilience will live on for generations to come.
