Asheville, North Carolina, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Asheville’s River Arts District is celebrating the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene with the RAD Resilience community art event. This gathering showcases the work of over 350 artists, focusing on healing and creativity. Featuring live music, food trucks, and an interactive art project, the event highlights the resilience of the local community. Additionally, the exhibition ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ will open nearby, showcasing works from Asheville and New Orleans that explore themes of recovery and rebirth.
Asheville, North Carolina – The River Arts District (RAD) is commemorating the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene by hosting a community art event titled RAD Resilience on Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event aims to shift the focus from the destruction caused by the hurricane to themes of healing, creativity, and collective strength.
RAD Resilience will showcase the work of over 350 artists in the district, highlighting new artistic pieces and installations. The RAD Art Market will specifically feature 100 displaced artists, whose works were directly affected by Hurricane Helene. Many of the pieces on display are responses to the urgent realities of climate change, emphasizing the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.
The event is free and open to the public, enticing attendees with live music, a variety of food trucks, artist talks, and an interactive large-scale art project. RAD Resilience embodies the spirit of recovery and resilience, aiming to inspire community members, artists, and visitors alike.
In conjunction with RAD Resilience, an exhibition titled “A Tale of Two Cities” will open on September 13 at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts (NOAFA). This exhibition showcases arts and crafts from artists in both Asheville and New Orleans, marking a poignant moment as it occurs between the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene. Themes of rebirth, recovery, and the transformative power of art following natural disasters will be explored through this show.
A Speaker Series will also be held on September 12, featuring discussions with artists, curators, and community leaders involved in “A Tale of Two Cities.” The conversation about recovery and resilience will continue on the following day during the public opening of the exhibition at NOAFA.
RAD Resilience not only celebrates artistic expression but also supports local businesses in the River Arts District. Various eateries and restaurants in the area are encouraged to participate, including food trucks at Pine Gate and local favorites such as The Grey Eagle, Baby Bull, Wedge, and ButterPunk. This synergy between local artists and businesses fosters a strong sense of community solidarity.
As RAD commemorates the past, they also look to the future. Marquee Asheville, the first business on Foundy Street to reopen post-storm, is planning a reopening event for September 25. This event will include a reflective ceremony to honor community support and artists impacted by the storm.
Overall, RAD Resilience stands not only as a celebration of the strength found in creativity but also as a significant moment for recovery and unity in Asheville’s artistic community.
Key Features of RAD Resilience and Related Events
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | RAD Resilience |
| Date and Time | Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Location | River Arts District, Asheville, NC |
| Number of Artists | Over 350 artists showcasing new works |
| RAD Art Market | 100 displaced artists affected by Hurricane Helene |
| Additional Activities | Live music, food trucks, artist talks, interactive art project |
| Admission | Free and open to the public |
| Related Exhibition | “A Tale of Two Cities” at NOAFA, opening September 13 |
| Further Events | Speaker Series on September 12 |
| Local Business Support | Encouraging participation from local eateries and establishments |
| Marquee Asheville Reopening | Scheduled for September 25 with a reflective ceremony |
FAQ
What is RAD Resilience?
RAD Resilience is a community art event celebrating the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, focusing on themes of healing, creativity, and resilience.
When is the event taking place?
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where is RAD Resilience located?
The event is held in the River Arts District (RAD) in Asheville, North Carolina.
What activities will be featured at the event?
Activities include showcases by over 350 artists, an RAD Art Market, live music, food trucks, artist talks, and an interactive art project.
Is there a cost to attend?
No, RAD Resilience is free and open to the public.
What is “A Tale of Two Cities” exhibition?
It’s an exhibition opening on September 13 at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, featuring works by artists from Asheville and New Orleans that highlight themes of rebirth and recovery.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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New Orleans Exhibition to Showcase Resilience Through Art
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: RAD Resilience and a Tale of Two Cities
- 828 News Now: RAD Resilience to Rally
- WLOS: River Arts District Artists Express Support
- AVL Today: Land Use Experts Guide Recovery
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
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.
