NORTH CAROLINA – After Hurricane Helene floodwaters ripped through the River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina, the damage was immense. The tremendous power of the flooding destroyed 26 galleries where some 300 artists displayed their work. One of those galleries was Mark Oliver’s Foundation Woodworks.
Local artist Mark told us, “My wife and I were building something. And our kids played right here. Our friend’s kids played and watched the trains.”
He continued, “We came every day here to make things, to make beautiful things. But more importantly, we connected with people.”
Artisans Out of Work in Asheville
Twenty craftsmen created and sold their pieces here. Now, those artisans are out of work. Operation blessing is helping those woodworkers get back on the job by setting up a temporary space where they can make and sell their goods, while their permanent studio and gallery are rebuilt.
Operation Blessing’s COO, Drew Friedrich said, “It really will give us a chance to help and for them to earn an income, help those families get back to some sense of normalcy. And so that’s really what we’re aiming to do.”
“It really will give us a chance to help and for them to earn an income, help those families get back to some sense of normalcy. And so that’s really what we’re aiming to do.”
-Drew Friedrich, COO of Operation Blessing
Blessings After Helene
The 8000 square foot workspace is large enough for the 20 workers to soon resume their profession. Meanwhile, Operation Blessing workers continue to search through the rubble up and down the district for items that can be salvaged. They also carefully clean pieces they find, like delicate jewelry, hand-carved tables, and paintings caked with mud.
Local artist Stuart said, “The rescue efforts that have been going on here are phenomenal. And I mean, it’s very heartwarming, how much people care, all the love and blessings that has been offered to us.”
Workers and volunteers consider it a labor of love, all in the name of Jesus. Help like this has only been possible because of the generous support of friends like you after Hurricane Helene Floodwaters tore through the area.
