Flood Relief for Mark Oliver: Support Asheville Artisans

On September 26th, Hurricane Helene swept through Asheville, North Carolina, causing widespread destruction. Among those hit hardest was Mark Oliver, a skilled and passionate woodworker who has been a pillar of the local artisan community for years. Tragically, his entire workshop was flooded, leaving 20 feet of water that destroyed not only his expensive equipment and materials but also months' worth of completed and in-progress projects.

Mark’s livelihood has been wiped out in a matter of hours. His tools, supplies, and cherished projects were carried away by the floodwaters, found far downriver from his shop. What took years to build was lost in an instant.

Over the past two years, Studio Entourage and I have had the privilege of collaborating with Mark on a detailed, large-scale custom project. Unfortunately, the project was nearing completion but is now completely unsalvageable. As a professional interior designer, I’m passionate about supporting fellow creatives and skilled vendors when they need it most. Our success in creating impactful designs would not be possible without the talent and collaboration of our artistic community.

We are reaching out to our community and beyond to help Mark get back on his feet. Your support will go directly towards:

- Replacing tools and equipment

- Rebuilding his workshop

- Restoring materials and inventory

- Helping him recover from the loss of ongoing projects

Mark has always been a generous and hardworking craftsman, collaborating with designers and fellow artisans. Now, he needs our help to continue doing what he loves and to rebuild his business. Any contribution, big or small, will make a huge difference in helping him recover from this devastating setback.

Thank you for your generosity and support during this difficult time.

Who I Am:

My name is Morgan Witmer, an Atlanta-based interior designer who has worked closely with Mark on multiple projects.

Why I Created This GoFundMe:

I am passionate about preserving designers’ network of skilled craftsmen. Supporting Mark during this challenging time reinforces the importance of community solidarity and mutual aid among artists and creatives. Every contribution, no matter how small, shows Mark that his work is valued and that we stand with him as he rebuilds his livelihood.

MJO STUDIOS: https://www.mjostudios.com/