Help Kelcey Rebuild After Devastating Flood in Asheville

*** UPDATE: FUNDRAISER NOW CLOSED. Thank you all so much! Please see my latest update for more information.

I am an artist based in Asheville’s River Arts District. Last week, my studio on the second floor of Riverview Station Studios was unexpectedly flooded during the hurricane, along with all 70 other artists in my building and most of the district’s studios. While the first-floor studios lost nearly everything, those of us on the second floor also faced significant damage.

Toxic river sludge flooded about 12-16" into my space, devastating the two businesses I’ve operated from my 750 sq. ft. studio: my art jewelry business, Seed and Sky, and my fine art studio where I create larger fine art paintings. I lost almost all of my furniture, my brand new scanner, my specialized resin-pouring station, packaging and shipping supplies, and all of my fine art prints.

The most heartbreaking loss is 90% of my paintings on paper—my entire portfolio, including every drawing and painting I’ve saved since childhood. I also lost lighting, shelving, canvases and frames, five paintings in progress, and $5,000 worth of finished and framed pieces. The foundation of my career and my ability to provide has been deeply impacted.

Adding to this, my businesses rely heavily on tourism and direct traffic to my studio, especially in October, which is usually our busiest month. That vital source of income is now gone. Two-thirds of my jewelry business income happens in the fourth quarter, and I find myself with very diminished supplies and no studio.

While I hope that Riverview Station will eventually be renovated, it will be many months before it's safe to return—if ever. I may need to find or build a new studio to keep my businesses alive. In the meantime, both of my shops are closed until I can get the ground back under my feet, and once internet, water, and power are restored to our home.

It’s difficult for me to ask for help, knowing that so many others have been hit even harder. But I have lost so much, and the road to recovery feels overwhelming. Any support—whether it’s a donation small or large, sharing my story, or a kind word—will help me rebuild. Funds raised will go toward replacing supplies, securing a temporary workspace, and keeping my beloved jewelry business going through this critical time.

If you prefer to donate via Venmo, my Venmo is @kelcey-loomer, and the last four digits of my phone number are 2233.

The River Arts District is also raising funds to support the artists and the rebuilding of our community. If you’d like to support the district, please visit: www.riverartsdistrict.com/donate.

Finally, I want to extend my deepest thanks to my friends, family, and all of my incredible collectors and customers who have reached out to make sure we’re okay during this traumatic and difficult week. Your kindness and support mean the world to me.

With deep gratitude,

Kelcey Loomer