Madison County Arts Council

Since 1978, the Madison County Arts Council (MCAC) has been at the heart of our community, guided by the mission of “Strengthening Community through the Arts.” From offering programs like Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), to hosting the Art on the Island Festival, Bluff Mountain Festival, and providing a space for WART Radio 95.5—we have always been a place to inspire and bring people together.

But now, we need your help.

Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding to downtown Marshall, NC. The French Broad River surged to nearly 7 feet inside our building, flooding our beloved arts space. Volunteers have worked tirelessly to help us clear out and begin demo, but the damage is extensive. Our offices, gallery, concert space, and classrooms were all heavily impacted, and the road ahead is long.

We’re launching this GoFundMe to raise essential funds for the next 6 months. This support will allow the MCAC to:

-Continue programs like JAM, art exhibitions, and festivals

-Cover critical expenses as we rebuild and plan for the future

-Host community arts events and performances

-Ensure our space can serve as a creative hub for years to come

Madison County is resilient, and while we have tough days ahead, we know brighter days are on the horizon. Your donation will not only help us rebuild our physical space but also keep the arts alive in this special community.

Please consider making a donation today. Any amount helps us continue our mission of bringing art, culture, and music to Madison County, especially during these challenging times.

Together, we can rebuild and ensure that the arts remain a touchstone of creativity, hope, and connection for all.

Donate now and be a part of our brighter future!

My name is Betsy Lederer, and I am a Del Ray Artisans (DRA) member. I live in Northern VA, but my daughter and her family live in Marshall, NC. Her town and their close-knit community were devastated catastrophically by Hurricane Helene.

It has been seven weeks since the storm, and they have made unbelievable progress. Marshall is truly amazing! They are finally seeing their way to the bottom of the mud, but there is a huge need for creative outlets.

My daughter reached out for a friend who lost her home. Her friend received assistance for the basics but was looking for "supplies for dreaming" - watercolor paints, brushes, paper, yarn, crocheting, and felting. I sent down a small care package, but I knew we could do so much more.

As a grandmother living in VA, I was frustrated that I couldn't help with the backbreaking clean-up efforts, so I'm truly excited about this opportunity to make a difference. There are so many creative people down in the NC mountains who could use some art therapy! It would also give them an opportunity to make gifts for their loved ones and maybe even earn a little cash.

I am raising money for the Madison County Arts Council and elementary schools hit especially hard by Helene - Brush Creek and Hot Springs. Please note in your comments if you have a preference on which organization(s) receives your funds, or if you have a preference on which type of art supplies you would like to donate.

Please give what you can. Marshall is resilient and creative. Every dollar will go towards the people who are in need.

Thank you in advance!

Betsy