Asheville Artists Find New Home at Orbit Space Gallery

After Hurricane Helene devastated the region, leaving many artists displaced and struggling, a new space has emerged in Asheville, bringing hope and community to local creatives. Orbit Space, a vibrant art gallery, has opened its doors in the Tanger Outlets Asheville, offering a platform for artists to showcase their work and rebuild after the storm.

The 2,148-square-foot gallery, generously donated by the shopping center, is located across from Old Navy and features a diverse collection of art pieces. The space is designed to be a welcoming haven where artists can connect with art lovers and the wider community.

"Many artists lost studio space and precious artwork due to the hurricane’s impact," said Colby Caldwell, co-founder of Orbit Space.

"When we heard about the need in our arts community, we knew we had to step up. It was important to us to create a space where these talented individuals could not only display their work but also feel supported and empowered."

Among the artists featured in the gallery is Frank Lombardo, whose studio in Marshall was tragically destroyed during the storm. Although Lombardo lost nearly everything, he managed to save one piece – a striking circular creation that now has a prominent place in Orbit Space.

“Frank Lombardo with the round piece there, his studio was in Marshall. Marshall’s downtown was completely washed away." Caldwell continued. “His studio was completely washed away, and he had only one piece left at his house. He’s someone who looked for other spaces to be able to show his work, and when we heard that he was looking for space, we reached out to him and he was thrilled to share this piece with us, and we’re happy to showcase it here.

Orbit Space is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Asheville arts community. It showcases the work of thirteen talented artists:

• Akira Satake
• Anna Bryant
• Denise Carbonell
• Derek Dominy
• Erica Stankwytch Bailey
• Erin Castellan
• Evan Kafka
• Frank Lombardo
• Galen Frost Bernard
• Jessica White

• Joanne Chan

• Laura Sellers Harrison
• Molly Sawyer

The gallery aims to directly support these artists through the sale of their work, ensuring they can sustain their practice and continue to enrich the Asheville art scene.

Visitors to Orbit Space can experience a diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. The gallery’s goal is to make art accessible to everyone, creating a welcoming and inspiring environment where visitors can connect with creativity and support local artists.

Orbit Space officially opened its doors to the public on Saturday, December 7th. For those interested in learning more about the gallery, the featured artists, and their inspiring stories, visit their website.

* What inspired the creation of Orbit⁤ Space Gallery in Asheville in response to the impact of Hurricane Helene?

## Asheville Artists Find Solace and Hope ⁣at Orbit Space Gallery

**(Host):** Joining us ‍today is Colby Caldwell, co-founder‍ of ⁢Orbit Space Gallery, a ⁢new initiative offering ‌a lifeline to Asheville artists in the‌ wake of Hurricane Helene. Colby, welcome to the ‌show!

**(Colby)::** Thanks for having me. It’s important to shine a light on the‌ resilience of our local art community.

**(Host):** Absolutely. As I understand it, Hurricane ⁣Helene left a trail⁣ of devastation, deeply⁢ affecting many artists who lost studios ‍and precious artwork. What ​inspired the creation of Orbit Space⁢ in response to this crisis?

**(Colby):** It was heartbreaking⁤ to see the impact the storm had on our fellow artists. ​ [Quote about lost studio spaces and artwork – “Many artists lost studio space and precious artwork due to the hurricane’s impact…”] ⁤. When we heard about the need, we knew we had to act.​ We believe art is a vital part of our community, and we wanted​ to ‌create a space for artists to rebuild, reconnect, and share their​ talents.

**(Host): I)understand Orbit Space has found a home within the Tanger Outlets Asheville. Can you tell us more about ​that partnership and the significance of this location?

**(Colby):** Yes, ⁢Tanger ⁣Outlets generously donated the 2,148-square-foot space across from Old Navy. It’s a beautiful, welcoming‌ location that allows us to reach a wider audience. Our goal is to not⁣ only provide a platform for ‍exhibiting art but also to foster a sense of community and connection.

**(Host): What kind​ of ⁤support does Orbit Space offer to ⁣artists beyond simply providing exhibition space?

**(Colby): We aim ⁣to be a resource hub. We connected with artists who lost ‌almost everything and are helping them acquire supplies and materials. We also want to create workshops, events and networking ⁢opportunities to ⁣help these talented ‍individuals get back on their feet.

**(Host): You mentioned Frank Lombardo, an artist whose ⁣studio was unfortunately destroyed during the hurricane.

**(Colby): He’s a local treasure. Though he lost nearly all of his work, ⁣he managed to save one piece. We were honored to feature this powerful⁤ circular creation at our opening. It symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of art.

**(Host):** Colby, thank you for sharing your story and for the incredible work you and your ⁣team are doing at Orbit Space Gallery. It truly demonstrates the power of ​community and the⁤ importance of supporting the ⁤arts during challenging times. I encourage our listeners to visit ⁤Orbit Space and experience the beauty and resilience of Asheville’s⁣ artistic community firsthand.

**(Colby):** Thank ⁣you for having ⁢me. We invite ⁢everyone ‍to come by, meet the artists, and be inspired by ⁣their ​stories.