Artists for Asheville
A Free Music & Art Festival Supporting
Disaster Relief for the Art Community of Asheville, North Carolina
Saturday, September 13, 2025
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Jillson Square Park & Shaboo Stage, Willimantic, CT
Rain or Shine
-FREE ADMISSION-
All Proceeds Will Support Asheville’s
Non-Profit Arts Organizations
Join us in supporting a vibrant art community as it recovers from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville’s River Arts District—displacing hundreds of artists and destroying irreplaceable work. On September 13, 2025, we’re coming together through art and music to raise funds and restore what was lost.
“Many have told us their biggest loss is the sense of community—a family of creators bound together by this special place.”
— Sisters Helaine Greene and Trudy Gould, founders of Riverview Station
“Our gallery was a cinderblock building. The walls blew out, and the roof caved in… we lost all our artwork and major equipment.”
— Matt & Erika Busse, RAD Printworks
Impact at a Glance: The Aftermath in Numbers
Asheville still needs our help.
Eight months after Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, parts of Asheville still look like disaster zones. Business owners are struggling to rebuild as infrastructure remains stalled, FEMA aid has been reduced, and proposed cuts to public broadcasting, vital during the storm, raise new concerns for future disasters.
Asheville in the news
NBC News | May 22, 2025
Asheville still struggles after Hurricane Helene as aid drops and funding cuts loom
View More Videos About the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
About This Event
Artists for Asheville is a volunteer-organized fundraiser to support the artists and creative community of Asheville, NC, who were devastated by Hurricane Helene in 2024. The River Arts District, home to more than 300 artists, suffered catastrophic damage—many lost their studios, equipment, and years of original work.
This event is free and open to the public.
Funds are being raised in two ways:
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Public Donations. Supporters can donate directly through our website or in-person at the event. 100% of these contributions will go toward relief efforts.
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Artist Exhibitor Fees. Participating artists are paying a $55 booth fee to exhibit and sell their work at the event. A portion of these fees helps cover event expenses, while the remaining funds support the fundraising effort.
After the event, all net proceeds will be distributed to non-profit arts organizations that serve artists in Asheville’s River Arts District. These organizations will be selected by the event committee in consultation with community leaders and local partners. Windham Regional Arts Council (WRAC), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is managing the collection and disbursement of funds.
Join us in Jillson Square on September 13th!
About the Organizers
artist, art educator, art & garden tour founder
musician and philanthropist, breadbox theater concert organizer
proudly supporting community art for over 30 years
bringing art, artists and the community together in the quiet corner of connecticut
building creative bridges interconnecting the arts, artists and communities
providing venue and public services
Site design by Melanie Noble
Logo design & drawing by Jonathan Allen