New Orleans, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The upcoming exhibition ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ in New Orleans will highlight artwork from over 30 Western North Carolina artists. This event aims to reflect themes of resilience and recovery, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Katrina. Featured artists include Rodney Leftwich, who creates pottery influenced by local wildlife, and Jeffery Burroughs, who presents a special jewelry series inspired by his experiences during the storms. The exhibition opens on September 13, 2025, with a virtual exhibit accessible from September 1, 2025.
New Orleans will host the exhibition “A Tale of Two Cities”, showcasing the artwork of over 30 Western North Carolina (WNC) artists, beginning on September 13, 2025. This significant event coincides with the anniversaries of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Katrina, marking a poignant moment of reflection and recovery through art.
Among the featured artists is Rodney Leftwich, who is presenting two handcrafted pottery pieces made from local clay, wood ashes, and water. These pieces utilize a historical glaze that was common in the 1800s and are deeply influenced by themes of local wildlife, native plants, and the region’s rich history. Leftwich, alongside ten other selected artists from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, aims to convey a message of resilience and recovery through his work.
This exhibition is particularly meaningful as many of the artists involve are still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck WNC nearly a year prior. Some, like artist Jeffery Burroughs, faced devastating losses, including the destruction of their studios. Burroughs has created a special jewelry series titled “Through the Flood,” inspired by his experiences during Hurricane Katrina. He views his participation in this exhibition as an opportunity to foster a legacy and gain insights from New Orleans’ recovery.
Another artist, Peter Roux, whose works in art took a hit as he lost 20 years of creations in the storms, will also be featured. Roux’s cloud painting symbolizes the resilience of artists in the face of calamity. The exhibition will also serve as a platform for artists like Burroughs to gather and bring back newfound knowledge and experiences to share with their community in WNC.
The River Arts District in WNC is undergoing rehabilitation, with new gallery spaces like the RAD Outpost opening to provide support for artists as they rebuild their lives and careers. It is essential for the community to rally behind the arts, especially with the upcoming fall tourism season, to help spur recovery efforts.
The virtual exhibit for “Tales of Two Cities” will be accessible starting September 1, 2025, at the website artsvilleusa.com, allowing wider engagement with the artworks being presented. Additionally, the River Arts District will host events such as RAD Rendezvous and RAD Resilience on September 16, coinciding with the exhibition’s opening day.
This exhibition is curated by Jan Gilbert, Andrew J. Rodgers, and Kenn Kotara from Asheville and will feature collaborations that explore themes of rebirth and the healing potential of art. Importantly, proceeds from the sale of the artworks by Asheville artists will directly benefit them, reinforcing the exhibition’s emphasis on mutual support and the fostering of cultural ties between Asheville and New Orleans.
FAQs
What is “A Tale of Two Cities” exhibition?
It is an art exhibition opening in New Orleans on September 13, 2025, featuring over 30 artists from Western North Carolina, reflecting themes of resilience and recovery.
Who are some of the featured artists?
Featured artists include Rodney Leftwich, Jeffery Burroughs, and Peter Roux, among others, showcasing various forms of art including pottery, jewelry, and painting.
How are the proceeds from the sales handled?
All sales proceeds from the works by Asheville artists will go directly to the artists themselves, supporting their recovery and future endeavors.
What events are scheduled along with the exhibition?
The exhibition coincides with events such as RAD Rendezvous and RAD Resilience on September 16, aimed at supporting artists in the River Arts District.
Will there be an online version of the exhibition?
Yes, a virtual exhibit will be available starting September 1, 2025, allowing broader access to the artworks presented.
Key Features of the Exhibition
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | September 13, 2025 |
| Location | New Orleans |
| Number of Artists | Over 30 from Western North Carolina |
| Selected Artists | Includes Rodney Leftwich, Jeffery Burroughs, Peter Roux |
| Themes Explored | Resilience, Recovery, Community Support |
| Special Events | RAD Rendezvous, RAD Resilience on September 16 |
| Proceeds | All sales benefit the artists |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Tale of Two Cities Art Exhibit
- Biz New Orleans: New Orleans, Asheville Artists Unite
- Mountain X: Lasting Legacies Architecture in Asheville
- WNC Magazine: Asheville Strong
- Google Search: Art Exhibitions
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
