Support Cynthia's Art Studio After Hurricane Helene

Help Recover My Art Studio After Hurricane Helene

Dear friends and supporters,

I am Cynthia Llanes, oil and acrylic painter from Western North Carolina. I have an art studio and gallery at the River Arts District in Asheville, NC. The arts district has been thriving for over three decades in the bustling city of Asheville. As you may have known, our beloved city was hit hard by Hurricane Helene. My studio, located in the Riverview Station, was devastated by floodwaters that reached 27 feet. While I was fortunate that some of my paintings were spared, the damage to my space, equipment, and materials has been overwhelming. The building itself will be unusable for the foreseeable future, and there’s no timeline yet for rebuilding.

I’ve lost my space to showcase and sell my art, as well as crucial materials and tools, including art supplies, books, Giclée prints, furniture, new A/C unit as well as several paintings that were damaged by the floodwater that reached up to three feet of the second floor. It was heartbreaking as I try to salvage what I could from the muddy debris of my studio. The shock, the adrenaline to clean up, then the reality of the losses incurred are both physically and emotionally exhausting. My only resolve is to move on and stay strong.

Another significant historic gallery, the New Morning Gallery at Biltmore Village who has been representing local artists like me, for 50 years is now closed indefinitely. This wonderful, esteemed gallery has marketed and sold several of my paintings these past years. The whole Biltmore village was submerged in water during the storm. The Swannanoa River overflowed into the buildings, ruining most of many thriving businesses.

The fall and holiday season are the best times for Asheville's businesses. Restaurants, art galleries, studios, breweries, and hotels are exploding with tourists and visitors from all over the world during this magical time of the year as WNC's landscape is transformed into red, gold and yellow colors. After Helene, tourists and visitors will have second thoughts in coming to Asheville.

Yes, I am determined and resilient to recover, and rebuild. But all these will take time and resources. I can't do this alone, without community support. I am grateful to the River Arts District Association (RADA) for pledging a $300 donation to arts district members and $150 to non members. Other funds that are being raised by RADA will be used to find a new land to rebuild artist studio spaces or restore the old buildings in the district. However, the timetable to implement these plans is still indefinite.

I’m reaching out to you, raising these funds for myself as I restore my studio, get back into running my art business again and continue bringing my creation to our Asheville community and beyond.

Your support will help me find a new studio space, provide new alternative opportunities to share my art, replace essential equipment, and replenish lost art materials, furniture.

Another way to support me is through the purchase of my original paintings and prints. Every painting sold will help in my recovery process. Reach out to me via Instagram (@cynthiallanesartstudio). You can also view and purchase my available pieces on my website: https://cynthiallanesartist.com

I’m so grateful for any help you can offer during this challenging time. Whether it’s through a donation, purchasing a painting, or simply sharing this message to your friends and community.

You are much appreciated.

Thank you for being part of my journey.

With gratitude,

Cynthia Llanes