News Summary
Trackside Studios in Asheville, NC, marks its 10th anniversary with a special celebration on May 10-11, 2025. This event not only honors a decade of artistic collaboration but also highlights the community’s resilience following the devastating floods from Hurricane Helene in September 2023. The festivities will include exhibitions and classes, reaffirming Trackside Studios’ commitment to supporting artists and the River Arts District’s revitalization efforts.
Asheville, NC – Trackside Studios, a cornerstone of the River Arts District, is celebrating its 10th anniversary on May 10-11, 2025, with a special two-day event. This celebration also highlights the resilience of the studio community following significant flooding damage caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2023.
The anniversary event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days and is part of the broader RAD Renaissance initiative aimed at revitalizing the River Arts District. Currently, Trackside Studios is managed by co-founders Julie Ann Bell and Michael Allen Campbell, who have maintained the studio’s original vision of providing open spaces for artists to meet, learn, and collaborate.
Founded in May 2015 by Bell, Campbell, and Lynn Stanley, Trackside Studios originally featured around 30 artists. Following a property tax increase in 2018, the studio underwent renovations that increased its capacity. In August 2023, the Hellman family purchased the building, further expanding the facility to accommodate up to 60 artists, with a grand reopening occurring on March 29, 2024.
However, the studio faced unprecedented challenges when flooding from Hurricane Helene struck on September 27, 2023. The floodwaters reached up to six feet, resulting in significant damage to artwork and supplies for approximately 40 artists. Despite the devastation, the community quickly rallied, employing a collaborative approach to the recovery process. The studio’s website features resources, blogs, and videos that document the rebuilding efforts.
Since the flood, Trackside Studios has successfully welcomed both new and returning artists, creating a revitalized community atmosphere. The studio has also expanded its offerings to include a variety of art classes in its learning center. Among the new installations is a piece titled Heart of an Artist by artist Raphaella Vaisseau, symbolizing hope and resilience in the aftermath of the flood.
In addition to the anniversary celebrations, Trackside Studios is currently showcasing an exhibition called Lessons from Helene. This exhibition highlights the personal journeys of the artists as they navigate the aftermath of the storm, emphasizing themes of community strength and friendship.
The studio operates daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment, encouraging the public to support local artists as they continue their recovery efforts. The River Arts District itself is in a phase of ongoing recovery, focusing on providing support for affected artists and studios throughout the area.
Through these events and exhibitions, Trackside Studios illustrates not just the resilience of its community but also its ongoing commitment to fostering artistic expression and collaboration in the heart of Asheville.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Don’t Miss ‘Into the Woods’ at Asheville Community Theatre
Asheville Artists and Residents Rebuild After Hurricane Helene
Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: Art Studios in the River Arts District
- Wikipedia: River Arts District
- Asheville Made: Art in the Aftermath
- Google Search: Asheville Art Community
- Hyperallergic: Hurricane Helene Obliterates Asheville River Arts District
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene Asheville
- WLOS: The River Arts District and The Outpost
- Google News: Asheville River Arts District
