We've been checking in on photographers in our community who have been affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, and the responses have been eye opening. Our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been disrupted by the devastation. We are sharing a few experiences from our community members, and highlighting ways to help for those who are interested and able. Scroll on to learn more.
WALTER ARNOLD is an Asheville, NC based fine art photographer who's Art of Abandonment series focuses on the decaying beauty of our nation's abandoned historic places. Walter's Asheville art galleries where he sold his work were recently devastated when hurricane Helene came through and inundated the region with over 20" of rain. Walter's two galleries in the River Arts District were completely submerged in over 15 feet of water. Since the storm he has spent days trying to salvage what he can from the mud-covered remains. Most of his work was printed on Bay Photo's metal prints, and he has been able to salvage and clean up over 40 pieces so far which he plans to auction off to recoup his costs and hopefully make a substantial donation to the artists relief efforts via the RADA Foundation. Even after being submerged in a 1000 year flood, and pulled out from the mud, Walter has discovered just how resilient the MetalPrints are as he is able to hose off the debris and salvage the artwork for his potential clients.
Walter is just one of thousands of business owners, artists, and residents devastated by the historic storm. In an area that is focused on art and tourism, everyone is hoping to rebuild and reestablish the hundreds of galleries, artist studios, and unique businesses that make Asheville and Western North Carolina such an attractive destination for people to visit and explore. To view and purchase Walter's work, visit his website at www.thedigitalmirage.com or follow on Instagram @WAPhotog. We must say, his positive attitude in the face of adversity is pure resilience and inspiration.
Fine Art Photographer, KAREN MAUGAN's gallery experienced significant damage, and the rebuilding process is expected to be lengthy. While some of her metal prints were salvaged and cleaned up better than expected, much of her inventory was either damaged or completely destroyed.
Bay Photo is working with Karen and others to rebuild their galleries and studios, and Karen has already begun receiving MetalPrint orders in response to a newsletter after the hurricane. To join in support of Karen, visit her website: https://www.karenmaugansgallery.com/.
Professional Portrait Photographer, BRITTANY SISK has faced a significant loss due to Hurricane Helene's devastation in Western North Carolina, resulting in the destruction of her studio and the temporary closure of her photography business in Asheville. As a Family Portrait Photographer whose primary clientele consisted of tourists visiting the mountains, more than 80% of her business came from vacationers seeking beautiful family portraits to commemorate their trips. With tourism severely impacted, it is unlikely that visitors will return to Asheville in significant numbers for at least a year, and the local community is focused on more pressing concerns, making it difficult for her to sustain her business in the foreseeable future.
In response to these challenges, Brittany has relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, where she plans to rebuild her portfolio over the coming months. She is working on a new website, holycityfamilyphotography.com, to cater to her new market in Charleston. In the meantime, her work can still be viewed on her Asheville site, https://ashevillefamilyphotography.com.
Fortunately for Nature Photographer, SHARON MAMMOSER, her family, house, and property were spared from serious damage. They experienced loss of internet and power, as well as a few fallen trees, but consider themselves fortunate given the widespread destruction others are facing.
Sharon resides in Buncombe County, located in western North Carolina, the area most severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Her photography was showcased at a venue in the River Arts District called the Marquee - a large warehouse filled with art from hundreds of artists. During the hurricane, floodwaters from the French Broad River rose to roof level. Unfortunately, water entered the building, causing extensive damage to the artwork. Among the losses were Greeting Cards, MetalPrints, Gallery-wrapped Canvases, and Display Prints.
To view more of Sharon's work and to purchase a print, visit https://sharonmammoser.smugmug.com/.
Artists, ANGELA ALEXANDER and LAUREN STEGEMAN, had studios that survived the hurricanes, but had pieces of artwork that were unfortunately lost. Other Bay Photo customers we spoke with, like CLINT CLINE (in Milton's path) and ROB TRAVIS (in Helene's) fared well enough to direct our community to help others in need.
Many people would like to help and might not be sure where to direct their efforts. We encourage you to share in the comments if you know a photographer who has been directly impacted, or if you have a suggestion for where people can donate.
Organizations we've been referred to in helping aid the relief efforts include:
Unfortunately, water entered the building, causing extensive damage to the artwork. URL