I lost most of my work to Hurricane Helene and I’ve slowly been rebuilding.
Because my work is porous, it was deemed “hazardous” and was all disposed.
I haven’t made any tide pools since the hurricane, but I have been making art again!
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to fiber art creations, especially those made from porous materials that were deemed hazardous and had to be disposed of. Porous art, such as certain fibers and mixed media works, can absorb moisture and contaminants during flooding events, rendering them unstable or unsafe to keep. This reality poses a tough challenge for artists who rely on these materials as their main medium. For artists in Asheville, NC, and similar regions prone to natural disasters, it is important to consider protective measures for fiber art pieces. These may include sealed storage, moisture-resistant coatings, or digitizing work to preserve creative output before incidents occur. Although tide pools—a known element in some fiber artworks—cannot be remade immediately post-disaster, the resumption of art-making is a vital step toward emotional and professional recovery. The journey of rebuilding after losing creative work to a hurricane highlights the resilience of artists who adapt their methods and materials to new circumstances. Utilizing hashtags like #FiberArtist, #FiberArts, #AVL, and #AshevilleNC fosters community connections among regional and fiber art practitioners, encouraging support and shared knowledge in overcoming natural disaster impacts. Furthermore, understanding the health hazards involved in salvaging contaminated porous materials is crucial. Artists should consult with environmental safety experts before attempting restoration or cleaning. Sometimes, prevention through proper risk management and community resources can mitigate the loss and ensure a safer art practice in future weather events. Overall, the narrative of losing precious fiber art to Hurricane Helene underscores the intersection of natural disasters and artistic life. It presents an opportunity to explore innovative preservation techniques, regional collaboration, and renewed creative expression post-crisis.





















































































