In the beginning, communication was limited. It feels almost surreal to live in this day and age and not be able to use your cell phone. We could only check in on our neighbors—and that’s exactly what we did. None of us could have predicted the magnitude of the storm. We were stunned. Those of us who made it through safely were incredibly grateful. With no power or running water, we had to quickly learn how to live without them.
Those of us on higher ground navigated the damaged roads to glimpse the flooding below. The River Arts District was submerged—only the rooftops of buildings were visible. A new kind of grief took hold, one I had never felt before. Seeing the artists’ studios and livelihoods washed away was heartbreaking. Many of the incredible murals that had once been highlights of my tour were gone. The loss was immeasurable—not just of physical objects, but of the very soul of the community, the spirit that had breathed life into this once-thriving artistic hub.
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Asheville Art Walk : 1 hour guided tour of Street Art Gems of the South Slope
The French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers, once cherished parts of the community , had become forces of destruction. Rising to 27 feet, the floodwaters tore through the city, destroying roads, bridges, buildings, and centuries-old trees. But amid the devastation, something remarkable began to emerge: resilience.
The artists—though shaken—were not broken. They vowed to rebuild. Amidst the wreckage, they gathered to share stories, support one another, and sketch out new visions for the future. The vibrant murals may have been lost, but they were not forgotten. They would be reimagined and reborn in new forms—a testament to the enduring power of creativity in the face of adversity.
Community fundraisers were organized. Surviving artwork was showcased. Vacant spaces were transformed into pop-up galleries, brimming with hope and color once more.
The spirit of these artists has inspired me. I now feel called to transform my tour—to focus on the art that survived, and the incredible strength of the people behind it.
