Lou Neal, Editor of The Spark
Like many community-based organizations in the High Country, the Watauga Arts Counsel headed by Amber Bateman jumped headfirst into aiding recovery after Hurricane Helene. Helene upturned the lives and careers of many local artisans and craftsmen, with damage to property and supplies only covering the material losses suffered. The counsel, a stronghold of artistic community in Watauga County, immediately took action in aiding recovery.
“We opened our doors to artists who didn’t have power to use our kitchen and facilities. We gave them private codes to the office so they could come and go as needed,” said Bateman. “We visited the home of an artist who’s entire studio washed away. We brought her food, a heater, and paint and paper so she could get started back to painting.”
The personal consideration brought to artists in the aftermath of the hurricane was vital to the local arts community. The Arts Counsel aided local artists financially, too.
“We received reports of over $300,000 worth of damages and loss. We had more than $24,000 in direct requests,” said Bateman. “We started a ‘Hope After Helene’ fund that raised money for the unique needs of artists in our area. We are working with our state and regional leaders to create opportunities and secure funding for the artists in our area. In total, we raised $10,000 for local artists.”
Beyond material aid, Bateman and the Watauga Arts Counsel identified another community need in the form of artistic invigoration.
“So many shows were cancelled and galleries were flooded that artists were going to have to adapt and try to find new opportunities,” said Bateman.
Inspired by the musicians using their music to raise money and moral for Helene recovery, the Watauga Arts Counsel set out to create a new form of support.
“We started a program called painted memories,” said Bateman. “Artists who like to paint can sign up to paint the homes or properties for people whose homes were destroyed in the flood. People whose home were lost or damaged can submit photos of their property before it was damaged and the artists will paint the good memories.”
A unique and compassionate form of recovery, Painted Memories and the other efforts pioneered by the counsel have already touched the hearts of both artists and families.
“Artists seem to want to connect and be in community with each other,” said Bateman. “Families can sign up to have their homes painted or people can submit for friends or family.”
Alongside Painted Memories, artists impacted by the hurricane can find resources through the counsel that include covering travel costs to art shows, replacing of supplies, and even resources to help with rent and property damage.
“Artists are grateful,” said Bateman. “Many artists deferred to others thinking they didn’t deserve help. We really had to work with them to help them know it’s okay to admit they need help.”
Whether it be an artist who lost their studio or a family that lost their home, the aid provided by the Watauga Arts Counsel has touched the lives of many in Watauga County.
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