The Healing Power of Art in Community Recovery

What do New Orleans and Western North Carolina have in common? Both regions were rocked by historic hurricanes, which left lasting impacts on their communities and environments. Today, host Louise Glickman explores the transformative role of art and creativity in community recovery, comparing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans to the recovery efforts following recent storms in Western North Carolina. 

Louise is joined by Jan Gilbert, an artist and activist who co-founded The VESTIGES Project, and DeWayne Barton, founder of Hood Huggers International in Asheville. The VESTIGES Project, established in 1984, is a collective of artists and writers inspired by New Orleans. For its members, the city represents more than just a location; it embodies a rich tapestry of culture composed of remnants, rituals, memories, and myths, blurring the lines between fiction and reality, past and present. Hood Huggers develops sustainable strategies to support historically African-American neighborhoods in Asheville, NC, focusing on community capacity building and creating spaces that mitigate trauma while enhancing existing services.

Don't miss this episode, and be sure to check out the links referenced in the conversation listed below for more information:

jan gilbertart.com

thebestigesproject.org

bluenotejunction.com

hoodhuggers.com

ArtsvilleUSA

NOT REAL ART

For more information, visit https://www.artsvilleusa.com/vestiges-project-hood-huggers