Send in the Clowns: Artists process Helene’s impact through new projects
- Volume 31
- / Issue 36
Cover Design Credit:
Scott Southwick
Cover Photography Credit:
Leanna Echeverri/Leche Photography
In the months since Tropical Storm Helene, Western North Carolina artists have leveraged their creativity to both interpret and heal from the disaster, producing works such as this week’s cover photo. In turn, Helene-inspired artwork is helping the local community collectively process storm-related grief and pain. Featured on the cover is model Erin Trixi Fitzgerald inside the flood-gutted Marquee building in the River Arts District.
arts
Art brings healing to Asheville creatives and community
CLOWNING AROUND: Photographer Leanna Echeverri is working with model Erin Trixi Fitzgerald, pictured inside the shell of Marquee, to capture a series of artistic images of storm-damaged Asheville buildings. Photo…Smart Bets: Death Comes to Play
Photo of props from Death Comes To Play courtesy of Sublime Theater & PressSustaining community: The RAD finds new ways to support its artists
RESILIENCY: "The light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter, and I have no doubt that the RAD will emerge more resilient and vibrant than ever," says Jeffrey…Smart Bets: Hub Scrub
Photo from a previous wash-and-lube event by Christian SchaumannNew novel reenvisions a fabled Black kingdom in Henderson County
LOCAL LORE: In her new novel, Happy Land, Dolen Perkins-Valdez offers a fictional interpretation of the real-life Kingdom of the Happy Land. Author photo by Norman E. JonesSmart Bets: Josh Phillips
Photo of Josh Phillips courtesy of the artistSmart Bets: Kathi Littlejohn
Photo of Kathi Littlejohn courtesy of Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center
food
A Year in Beer: A thousand pints of light
PARTY LOCAL: Thanks to a thriving local homebrewing community and well-stocked bottle shops, Asheville brews were flowing at a recent Year in Beer birthday celebration. Photo by Christopher ArborWhat’s new in food: Easter brunch options, spring market openings and more
Design by Scott SouthwickSweet Cub brings new soft serve ice cream options to Asheville
AT YOUR SERVICE: Nicole Wandtke, owner of Sweet Cub, brings soft serve ice cream joy — with sprinkles on top — to the party. Photo courtesy of Wandtke
living
Love & Sex in WNC: Let’s talk about dating in your 40s and desire in your 80s (and beyond)
NEVER TOO LATE: In her latest relationship column, Jamie Zane, a certified sex therapist, answers questions from readers on dating, ghosting and ways to maintain your sex drive later in…Sustaining community: Pisgah Project Day is just around the corner
BE A PAL: "The Pisgah Conservancy is a bit like a friends group, and there are lots of ways to be a friend," says Marielle DeJong, donor engagement officer for…
news
Sustaining community: A healthy lifestyle benefits more than the individual
SELF-CARE: "If I am healthier, I can help others more often and reduce the load on our first responders and those trying to help us," says David Thomas, a lifelong recreational…Sustaining community: Finding ways to stay motivated amid climate emergencies
POSITIVE VIBES: To stay positive, UNC Asheville student Olivia Williams says she reminds herself of "all of the intellectual, strong and determined students that surround me in my environmental science…Xpress Lane: Snow day policies anything but blanket
DECISION-MAKER: Jeremy Stowe, director of transportation at Buncombe County Schools, helps decide if roads around the county are safe enough for buses to traverse. If not, at least part of…Firehouse Hub coalition to guide long-term recovery in Barnardsville
BARNARDSVILLE BRIGADE: The Firehouse Hub is a coalition of church leaders, community members, newcomers and more. Photo courtesy of Gina ElrodSustaining community: Local student offers simple ways to make a difference
SUPPORT LOCAL: "Buy local groceries when you can and research where your food comes from," says Kathryn Wolfe, co-president of the A.C. Reynolds High School Environmental Club. Photo courtesy of WolfeBuncombe County Schools expresses concerns over future Title I funding
UNITED: Buncombe County Association of Educators President Shanna Peele, left, stands with other BCAE members as she asks the Buncombe County Board of Education to help ensure county funding for…EPA freezes money for WNC clean energy projects
FIRST IN SOLAR: Bryson City United Methodist Church will soon become the first building open to the public in Bryson City with solar panels on its roof. Photo courtesy of…Tourism survey shows shift in residents’ attitudes
VISITORS WELCOME: Ninety-four percent of respondents believe visitors help support the number and variety of independent businesses in the community, according to a recent survey. Photo by Brooke RandleFuture wildfires will likely be more severe, county warns
WILDFIRE WATCH: Scenes from the Freedom Farm Fire in Leicester. Photo by Buncombe County Emergency ManagementFrom CPP: Asheville’s jobless rate — North Carolina’s highest — is ‘new and unwelcome’ territory
HELP WANTED: Mud splatters an Ingles trailer on Hendersonville Road in South Asheville on Oct. 21, 2024. The supermarket chain is a major employer in Western North Carolina. Colby Rabon…FEMA eases major floodplain construction rules; Helene rebuilding plan impacts unclear
High-risk flood conditions in Marshall of the Blannahassett Island Bridge.
opinion
Letter: Be prepared for hazards of planting bamboo
"Don’t do it unless you have the time and the energy or are feeding pandas."Letter: Bamboo is not a good idea for WNC
"She sings its praises. It does not belong in Western North Carolina, and it will outcompete native plants."Paving over problems
Letter: UNCA should pivot on urban forest
"When you see firsthand the endless, gut-wrenching sights of downed trees at every bend in the road, you, too, will understand what is at stake by ignoring a community that…Letter: Trust UNCA to make good use of urban forest
"The intentions of the UNCA administration to utilize the resources of the urban forest to strengthen the university are based on both necessity and good intentions."Boots on the ground
