**Asheville's River Arts District Devastated by Hurricane Helene**

A sweeping transformation over four decades turned an industrial neighborhood along the French Broad River in Asheville, N.C., into the bustling River Arts District. This vibrant area, home to over 300 artists, housed various art studios and galleries that cemented Asheville's reputation as a cultural haven. However, the recent onslaught of Hurricane Helene has left the district in shambles, altering both the artistic landscape and the lives of its creative residents.

"The River Arts District is unparalleled in the United States and potentially worldwide," said Jeffrey Burroughs, president of the River Arts District Artists, an organization supporting local artists. This area enabled artists to control their own ventures, contributing to both creative and economic progress. But now, following the hurricane, roughly 80 percent of the district's buildings have been compromised, with many structures simply swept away by floodwaters.

Renowned for its artistic vitality, the district offered a scenic riverside charm, attracting people to either settle nearby or visit. Old warehouses and mills were converted into flourishing hubs of creative expression, generating significant economic activity. But now, the scene is drastically different. Many galleries are gone, and pieces of art, some created decades ago, lie damaged or destroyed amid layers of mud.

The devastation has struck a chord among the community. Judi Jetson, founder and chair of Local Cloth—a nonprofit network of fiber artists, educators, and enthusiasts—described the situation as "heartbreaking." She mentioned, "We have three or four inches of mud inside the building and on most of our items. We’re trying to rescue whatever we can, but the lack of water and electricity makes it incredibly challenging."

Efforts to salvage what remains continue but with substantial difficulties. For instance, Jannette Montenegro is seen attempting to rescue items from the Cotton Mill Studios, embodying the community's resilience in the face of disaster. Yet, even as locals strive to recover, the future of the River Arts District remains uncertain in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.