In February, we're celebrating the rich tradition of arts in Western North Carolina, a place dear to our hearts.
I spent my childhood summers roaming the grounds of Penland School of Crafts, an artist retreat and school nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. There, my parents, Don and Lisa Drumm, taught classes alongside the likes of Dale Chihuly, Lee Friedlander and Billy Bernstein. And as the children of faculty, we were allowed to sit in on classes.
To me, these mountains meant freedom and boundless creativity. My arts education and childhood was nurtured by this experience.
Photo of sculptor Don Drumm with second director Bill Brown, Summer 1969, from the Penland School of Craft Archive
My children and their spouses lived in Asheville, North Carolina for several years, during which I returned to breathe in the Blue Ridge Mountain air several times. Both my son and son-in-law still work for Asheville-based companies.
In September 2024, North Carolina's Western Appalachian area was hit by Tropical Storm Helene. The storm caused several rivers that run through Asheville and surrounding towns to overflow. The rivers inundated the region's valleys, damaging and destroying tens of thousands of homes and businesses.
The River Arts District, which lies in a valley and abuts the French Broad River, was also largely destroyed. This region housed hundreds of the city's artist studios, galleries, and eateries.
The River Arts District before and after Tropical Storm Helene.
E. Drumm Designs Gallery represents several artists from Western North Carolina, including Moni Hill, our current featured artist.
So it was only natural to host an event celebrating Asheville Arts and its rebuilding mission. The event is catered by Pascale Belin-White of C'est la Fête! Pascale is donating her services, as her son currently lives and works in Asheville.
The event will be held on February 21st from 5:30 - 8:30pm. Sip, dine, listen to live music, and, if you can, help us contribute to BeLoved Asheville. Please join us!
As wildfires in Los Angeles rage on, and Asheville continues to recover from the devastation of natural disaster months later, I'm thinking about my role as a small business owner in supporting the arts and artisans around the country. Though my impact may be small, I hope these efforts help in some way.
Stay safe,
Elisa Drumm Van Auken