Save Marshall High Studios

Marshall High Studios is an artist community, a historical sanctuary on an island in the French Broad River that houses over 30 creators, makers, and entrepreneurs, and a cornerstone of our town’s culture.

In the devastation of Hurricane Helene, the river rose to nearly nine feet inside our halls, destroying the entire first floor and severely damaging the whole building.

Most of the initial remediation and recovery work has been done by the residents themselves, artists donning Tyvek suits and respirators to lovingly shovel tons of muck out of these studios we have called home.

But we will need your help to save this beloved cornerstone of our community.

Set in a lovingly restored 100-year old school building, Marshall High has been a safe haven for so many. Speak to any resident who has been here, or those who have had the opportunity to visit, and they will talk about the building as if it was a kind of home. Because it is. This place has been the nursery that started entire careers, the ground that seeded countless works of art, and the shelter in which so many people have found purpose and belonging. And now we need your help to save it.

The repair list is extensive. We need new floors, walls, doors, windows, bathrooms, electric, plumbing, and propane tanks (just to name the basics). Every resident on the first floor lost everything, while the residents on the second floor are unable to work or access their studios for the foreseeable future.

Every dollar helps, and is so profoundly appreciated. Together, we can rescue this building so its legacy, community, and beauty can endure.

Cover photo by Jack Flame Sorokin. Additional images by Juli Leonard, Melina Ferris Coogan + others

About the organizers: My name is Frank Lombardo. I’m a painter, and for more than 15 years I’ve had a studio in Marshall. Normally I'm an introverted artist, but for the last two weeks I've been helping to manage 50+ soldiers at a time and countless volunteers. To those of you who have donated, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are amazing. If you are still able to help us we'd ask that you share our story far and wide. Just like I have no experience leading an army cleanup during a natural disaster, I have no experience putting together a fundraiser that will save our space. 100% of the funds received will go towards our space and its preservation.

I’m Asia Suler—an author, herbalist and teacher who housed her apothecary and classroom on the island over nine years. The loss of my studio, of the sanctuaries of my fellow residents spaces, and the sanctity of this building itself, has been shattering. But I’m here because, as I wade through the muck to rescue what I can, I see that rebirth is possible, healing is possible. Our community can come back even stronger, and we can do it together.

A note on how we are rebuilding. The funds we have received will go towards the rebuild of our space. This includes about 350 sheets of Advantec to act as our new flooring in the studio spaces. We have cleaned the original tongue and groove floorboards (after having removed them and cleaned the sublfoor) and we have professionals that will reinstall them in the hallways.

We are also using funds to replace all the downstairs electric, purchase new dehumidifiers for the crawlspace and basement area, and to set up permanent dehumidifiers in every downstairs studio. We are replacing many broken windows, door locks, and of course all damage drywall. Our fundraiser will not be able to cover the entire cost, but it has already made a huge difference.

Everyone who has donated shows us just how many connections our space has made over the years. From past studio artists, to collectors that frequent our market, to neighbors, friends, and artists abroad. We are so grateful for your continued support. The more funding we receive, the better we can build back. Our contractor Ed Caskey is working with his skilled crew every day, and we are making progress on reopening with every passing hour. Thank you all so much! Feel free to reach out to me through GoFundMe if you ever have any questions about how the funds are being spent. We are accounting for every penny and none of use managing this fundraiser are being paid to do so. 100% of our funds are going towards our rebuild at Marshall High Studios.