Many in our area were hard-hit by Hurricane Helene’s unprecedented devastation, with one group being particularly affected: artists.
Hundreds of artists have seen their studios, exhibit spaces, galleries, and supplies wiped out, both in and around Asheville’s River Arts District and those whose home workspaces are scattered across several WNC counties. Many artists had upcoming shows that have been canceled because the space no longer exists, their work was completely destroyed, or their tools and supplies were swept away.
The board of directors of Upstairs Artspace immediately recognized that the arts community needed targeted and special assistance to begin recovery.
So, in keeping with its mission to “connect art and community through exhibitions and educational programs and to create a vibrant space for artistic expression and appreciation,” the contemporary art gallery has partnered with Tryon International Equestrian Center to provide studio, show and sales space, as well as grants and marketing support to displaced artists.
This effort will be called Tryon Upstairs Artspace Studios Project at TIEC.
“We are thrilled to partner with Tryon International Equestrian Center to support the arts community of WNC during this time of upheaval and uncertainty,” said Sandra Miller, board president.
“For over 45 years, Upstairs Artspace has been committed to supporting regional artists through its exhibitions, programs and outreach. And now, with tremendous logistical support and space from TIEC, we are able to offer financial help, as well as hope and community, to area artists as they adjust to their new normal,” Miller added.
Tryon Upstairs Artspace Studios Project at TIEC will provide physical studio space at TIEC. Studios will be considered open studios, allowing the public to view artists at work, as well as the work they produce. Proposed open studio days are Thursday-Sunday.
Artists may sell work out of their studio space at TIEC and keep 100 percent of their proceeds. The opportunity to sell work will extend to any impacted WNC artist regardless of whether or not they choose to establish a studio space at TIEC.
Artists with studios at TIEC are eligible to apply for mini-grants from Upstairs Artspace to offset costs of new art supplies and equipment; temporary lodging associated with residency at TIEC; and transportation to and from TIEC residency.
Should sufficient grant funding be secured, the Upstairs Artspace mini-grants program may be expanded to include impacted WNC artists who do not have studio space at TIEC. Updates will follow.
Grant funding will come from gifts made by local foundations, businesses, and individuals.
Impacted artists interested in studio space or selling work at TIEC, should send an email requesting an application to tryonupstairsstudios@gmail.com.
For more information on participation in or support of the Tryon Upstairs Artspace Studios Project, please contact Tara Brannon, Upstairs Artspace vice president, at tryonupstairsstudios@gmail.com.
TIEC is located at 25 International Boulevard, Mill Spring, NC 28756.
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