Help Artist Lori Portka After Hurricane Helene

The devastation to my dear friend Lori Portka's Asheville art studio and shop in the River Arts District , flooded with toxic water during Hurricane Helene, is heartbreaking. Now that the water has receded, her once-vibrant studio is filled with sludge and mold that smells like "death and chemicals," she told me through tears after finally gaining access to it.

These photos show examples of water-soaked merchandise and how quickly mold has taken over in her studio. Because a flood is responsible for wiping out her business, there is little to no insurance coverage for all the art, supplies, merchandise, equipment and furniture. So awful.

Lori is reticent to ask for help when so many others are hurting, but she's also struggling to see a way forward with no power, running water, internet or supplies, and nearly all of her merchandise and original paintings gone. But I know so many people love Lori and her life-affirming, light-filled art -- and now we can reflect a bit of that light back to her during these dark days.

Your donations will go directly to Lori to help ease the burdens of losing her income and slowly rebuilding her business. Though she may not have the time or resources to thank each of you right now, I can assure you she is already full of so much gratitude, just knowing there are people out there eager to love her up.

With love & thanks,

Liv Lane

PS You can see examples of Lori's beautiful art on her website, but please don't order anything right now since everything listed is no longer available.