Asheville – Trillium Arts has announced the recipients of its HEAR (Helene Emergency Artist Residencies) awards, providing crucial support to artists affected by Hurricane Helene. The selected artists—Annie Kyla Bennett, Angela Cunningham, Nina Kawar, Nava Lubelski, Mar Perez-Albela, and Katey Schultz—represent a diverse array of disciplines and backgrounds from Western North Carolina. They will be in residence at Trillium from February through May, receiving not only a financial honorarium but also essential resources to aid their recovery and creative processes.
Understanding the HEAR Initiative
The HEAR project was established to assist artists who faced significant challenges due to the hurricane’s devastation. Phil Reynolds, President and Co-Founder of Trillium Arts, emphasized the organization’s commitment to responding swiftly to the needs of artists in the region. “Considering the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helene on so many regional artists, Trillium leadership felt compelled to move quickly,” he stated. The initial plan was to award four artists, but thanks to generous donations, Trillium expanded the program to include six recipients.
The awardees have experienced various forms of loss, including damage to studios and equipment, which has hindered their ability to work. One artist expressed the gravity of their situation: “As a full-time artist, this event could potentially end my career.” The HEAR awards aim to provide these artists with a space for reflection and creativity during a challenging time.
Support and Resources for Awardees
Each artist will receive a $700 relief stipend along with private accommodations for up to seven nights in a one-bedroom suite. The residency includes a welcome dinner and access to Trillium’s grounds, which feature amenities such as a firepit, hot tub, and walking paths. Artists will also have access to creative spaces equipped with supplies and high-speed internet.
The support provided through the HEAR initiative is designed not only to alleviate immediate financial burdens but also to foster an environment conducive to artistic growth. Each recipient has outlined specific intentions for their time at Trillium, focusing on projects that reflect their unique experiences and artistic visions.
Annie Kyla Bennett plans to finalize her exhibition “The Mother Plant,” which explores themes of ecology and regenerative land stewardship. Angela Cunningham aims to use her time for reflection and exploration of nature as inspiration for new works. Nina Kawar hopes to create without distractions while refining her existing projects.
Nava Lubelski intends to work on a large-scale piece that combines stitching and paint, while Mar Perez-Albela looks forward to diving into songwriting during his residency. Lastly, Katey Schultz will focus on revising her novel and allowing her creativity to flow in a peaceful environment.
The HEAR awards not only provide financial relief but also create a supportive community for artists navigating the aftermath of disaster. As these artists come together at Trillium Arts, they will have the opportunity to share their experiences and inspire one another in their creative journeys.
The HEAR initiative stands as a testament to the resilience of artists in Western North Carolina and the importance of community support in times of crisis. With ongoing engagement from donors and stakeholders, Trillium Arts continues to play a vital role in nurturing the local arts scene.