Support D3 Metal's Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Help D3 Metal with studio losses after Hurricane Helene

My name is Danielle Hughes and I am D3 Metal, a metals/jewelry artist for over 30 years. I live and work in my hometown of Asheville, NC, and had an amazing studio at Riverview Station in the River Arts District. I waited almost 2 years, after moving back to Asheville, to be in the very coveted area of RAD along with so many amazing artists. A couple of weeks before the storm hit, I had just been accepted to be a part of the most amazing craft fair here, The Big Crafty, and was in full push to prepare for the biggest holiday season since moving here. Unfortunately, the River Arts District (RAD) was devastated by Hurricane Helene. My studio was on the second floor of Riverview Station and had about a foot of water and mud come up into my studio as the river rose well over 20ft. The building was completely inaccessible for days as the water levels were still high and the area was decimated. When I was finally able to get inside, 5 days later, there was still water and toxic mud covering about 2 inches of the second floor and mold had begun to grow. We spent days going back wearing protective gear, pulling out whatever we could through a muddy hallway, down an outside metal stairway, and across what once was a parking lot that was now rubble. I am eternally grateful for the community that came to help everyone but was also devastated to say the least. I was able to salvage many items, but unfortunately, I also lost a lot. My workbench and tables had been partially submerged for about a week in sludge and were swollen and taken over by mold. I had packaging and display items, bins of smaller tools, sketchbooks from 20+ years, an air compressor, and many other items that were completely submerged at one point and not able to be recovered. And my space is gone.

I am so proud to be a part of this community and I know that Asheville is strong. That’s why it is also difficult to ask for any help. As many people keep asking about a donation site, here I am. I’d love to be able to replace my lost studio equipment as I figure out my temporary or next space.

Thank you for any amount or consideration!