“Confluence” means coming together—the coming together of the three rivers that form the Turkeyfoot region, but also the coming together of people. That meaning feels especially important right now.

After Monday’s storms, our region is starting to dry out—and we're doing what Confluence does best: coming together. The Arts Center was badly impacted by flooding, and many of our neighbors have also been seriously affected by the storm, some much more seriously than we have. Our hearts are with everyone affected, and we are grateful for the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.

The Arts Center basement took on nearly 24 inches of water during the rainstorm. Our wonderful volunteer fire company came to our rescue and pumped it out, but we have a lot of cleanup and repair ahead. Doors, humidifiers, fans, appliances, art supplies, wood and fabric items, and other materials were damaged or ruined. The basement needs extensive cleaning and treatment for water damage, along with improvements to drainage, the pump, and waterproofing to make it less likely that this happens again.

A silver lining to the storm clouds was that the flooding happened after a busy month of Eco-Art and Theater Camp, when the building was filled with kids and the days were packed with activities. In the midst of the cleanup process, we’re looking ahead to Art in the Park on August 29, a whole new season of fall art classes and activities, and our annual Free Family Pumpkin Carving during Pumpkinfest. Throughout the year, the Arts Center offers children’s programs, concerts, art and music classes, theater, workshops, community events, school outreach, festivals, and lots of opportunities for people of all ages to make, learn, play, and create together. Sunshine for the spirit!

We are incredibly grateful for the people who have already offered a helping hand, toted sodden items to the laundry, checked in, brought equipment, supplies, food, beverages, and candy, rolled up their sleeves, or simply asked how we’re doing. Small town, big heART! ❤️

If you’re able, please consider helping the Confluence Creative Arts Center recover from this unexpected setback. Every contribution—large or small—will help us repair damage, replace supplies and equipment, and make improvements that will allow us to keep doing what we love: bringing creativity, joy, and community spirit to our town.