Understanding the legacy of this renowned sculptor
A note regarding hurricane flooding in the Asheville NC River Arts District from Darla Welton:
Josh’s latest Playing With Fire column for The WELDER magazine highlights artist and metalsmith John Payne’s legacy work and pioneering influence in Asheville, NC’s River Arts District community.
On September 28, 2024—just four days after the article was published online—the River Arts district community in Asheville was devastated by historic-level flood waters from Hurricane Helene.
As lovers of art, the people who create it, and the people who foster young artists and build communities where they can thrive, Josh and I feel heartsick for the River Arts district community in Asheville, NC. Many artists and small business owners have lost everything in the hurricane’s flooding. Several small Appalachian mountain towns experienced the devastating loss of life and property; however, we feel a kindred spirit with the artisans in the River Arts District. So many of them have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and the place that helped to build their dreams.
The WEDGE building—the location for John’s passion project—experienced an estimated 17 feet of floodwaters. As the Wedge Studios website notes, “Although no longer with us in the flesh, John’s vision continues to inspire an entire generation of artists and visitors alike. John was always the first to help artists by giving them space to live and work and creating a community to flourish.”
I’m confident that John’s legacy will carry on somehow, but this community’s losses are immeasurable right now.
We will keep our audience posted about the recovery efforts regarding the River Arts District and ways we might encourage these artists and provide future assistance.
If you’d like to learn more about John Payne and the River Arts District in Asheville, NC, read Josh’s latest column for The Welder magazine (FMA Publications September/October issue).
https://www.thefabricator.com/thewelder/blog/arcwelding/john-payne-metal-artist-and-mentor
For now, follow Asheville Citizen-Times for the latest updates: Helene floods wipe out Asheville River Arts District businesses: ‘Completely destroyed’
