Asheville, NC, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Asheville, North Carolina, is hosting the RAD Resilience event on September 12 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene. Organized by local artists, this open studio event showcases the creativity and recovery efforts in the River Arts District. Visitors can enjoy art displays, live music, and an array of local dining options. This celebration not only highlights the artistic community’s resilience but also marks the revitalization of the district after last year’s devastating hurricane.
Asheville, North Carolina is celebrating resilience with a district-wide open studio event commemorating the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene. The event, named RAD Resilience, will take place on Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This initiative, organized by the local arts community, focuses on the future of the River Arts District (RAD) and highlights the recovery efforts following the devastating storm.
The festivities will showcase the work of hundreds of artists, who will display their art inside studios and at booths spread throughout the district. Attendees can expect to enjoy live music, artist talks, and even engage in interactive art opportunities designed to inspire creativity and community involvement.
In addition to the artistic features, local restaurants and eateries within the RAD will be operational during the event, allowing visitors to indulge in the area’s unique food scene. A food truck will be stationed at Pine Gate, but there will be a significant emphasis on supporting local businesses such as The Grey Eagle, Baby Bull, Wedge, and ButterPunk.
The RAD community has demonstrated remarkable determination, working diligently over the past ten months to recover and rebuild after the hurricane’s destruction. The open studio event stands as a testament to their efforts and the renewed spirit of the district. New businesses are also set to open as part of the revitalization, promising a bright future for the area’s artistic and commercial landscape.
Event Highlights
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2023
- Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: River Arts District, Asheville, NC
- Activities: Open studios, live music performances, artist talks, interactive art opportunities
- Food Options: Local restaurants and food truck available
- Cost: Free and open to the public
Background Context
The River Arts District has been a cornerstone of Asheville’s artistic community. Over the years, the area has attracted numerous artists and art lovers alike, transforming spaces into vibrant galleries and studios. Unfortunately, Hurricane Helene severely impacted the district a year ago, damaging many artists’ studios and altering the landscape significantly.
In response, the community rallied together, channeling their energy into recovery efforts that showcase the resilience of the RAD. The RAD Resilience event not only celebrates the progress made thus far but also serves as a beacon of hope for what is yet to come. As the district looks to the future, it embraces the lessons learned from the past while continuing to foster creativity and collaboration among artists.
Conclusion
RAD Resilience is more than just an arts event—it’s a celebration of community strength, resilience, and commitment to rebuilding after a natural disaster. It invites everyone to become part of the journey as the River Arts District grows and evolves, building a brighter future together.
FAQ Section
What is the RAD Resilience event?
The RAD Resilience event is a district-wide open studio event that celebrates the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, organized by the Asheville arts sector to highlight the community’s recovery and resilience.
When is the RAD Resilience event taking place?
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Is there a cost to attend the RAD Resilience event?
No, the event is free and open to the public, encouraging everyone to participate.
What activities can attendees expect at the RAD Resilience event?
Participants can expect open studios, live music, artist talks, and interactive art opportunities throughout the River Arts District.
Key Features of the RAD Resilience Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 12, 2023 |
| Time | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Location | River Arts District, Asheville, NC |
| Activities | Open studios, live music, artist talks, interactive art |
| Food | Local restaurants and a food truck |
| Cost | Free |
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Asheville Arts Recovery
- 828 News Now: RAD Resilience Event
- WSPA: River Arts District Commemorates Hurricane Helene
- WJHL: Asheville’s River Arts District
- Fox Carolina: Asheville Officials on River Arts District
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- Britannica: Asheville
- Google Search: Asheville Events
- Google News: Asheville River Arts District
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene Asheville

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.


