Help Restore Riverview Station for Asheville Artists

Help us turn on the lights at Riverview Station for Asheville’s Artists

We are sisters Helaine Greene and Trudy Gould, founders of Riverview Station, a landmark that has been in Asheville’s River Arts District since 1902. For decades, it has been more than just a building—it’s been a home for over 200 artists and 70 galleries, studios, and small businesses. It’s been a hub of creativity, community, and connection.

But Hurricane Helene changed everything.

Overnight, floodwaters filled Riverview Station with mud, destroying beautiful artwork, supplies, and the vital systems that powered its more than 100,000 square feet. The devastation was heartbreaking, not just for us but for the artists who relied on this space to create, thrive, and build their dreams. Many have told us their biggest loss is the sense of community—a family of creators bound together by this special place.

This isn’t the first time Riverview Station has faced challenges. In 1990, we moved our candle-making business, Candle Station, into a boarded-up, barbed-wire-surrounded warehouse that was mostly vacant. We saw potential in those 7,000 square feet. By 1996, our business had grown to occupy 40,000 square feet, with 50 employees and international distribution. That same year, we purchased Riverview Station and began transforming it into a haven for artists.

We welcomed emerging artists with affordable rents and built a community centered on support and creativity. Over time, Riverview Station became one of the pioneering spaces in Asheville’s River Arts District—a place where artists could dream, grow, and succeed.

The flood shattered all of that.

Our vision has always been to foster creative entrepreneurship and to make Riverview Station a vibrant part of Asheville’s unique culture. Now, we face the monumental task of rebuilding—restoring electrical systems; replacing drywall, windows and doors; rebuilding our HVAC and fire alarm and sprinkler systems; repairing interiors; and reimagining the future for our downstairs space.

We are determined to bring our community back together.

The outpouring of support from volunteers during cleanup has already filled our hearts, reminding us that Riverview Station is more than brick and mortar—it’s a survivor, just like our creative community. With your help, we can turn the lights back on and reopen our doors, starting with the less-damaged second floor and working in phases to restore the rest of the building.

Your donation, no matter the amount, will help us not only rebuild Riverview Station but also revitalize the unique, weird, and beautiful spirit of Asheville’s River Arts District.

Together, we can bring the artists back. Together, we can restore the dreams that Hurricane Helene tried to wash away. Together, we can keep creativity and community alive in Asheville.

With all our gratitude,

Helaine & Trudy