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🎨 Support Asheville Rising at the Tucson Gem Show: Buy Artwork or Donate Today!
Make a difference at this year’s Tucson Gem Show on 22nd Street by supporting the Asheville Rising Tent. Your contributions—whether through purchasing artwork or donating via QR codes throughout the show—will directly help artists from Asheville, NC, rebuild their lives and livelihoods after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Every purchase and every dollar matters. Let’s come together to revitalize Asheville’s River Arts District and support these talented artists as they rise above the challenges they’ve faced.
Asheville Rising Tent at the 2025 Tucson Gem Show
This year’s gem show isn’t just about stunning gemstones, fossils, and crystals—it’s also about making an impact. Located in the Red Zone (Booths U11/12 & V11/12), the Asheville Rising Tent is a heartfelt initiative to support Asheville’s creative community, particularly artists who lost their homes, studios, and supplies to Hurricane Helene.
A Mission Inspired by Resilience
Russell and Missy Carhart, owners of Hart Events USA and managers of Eons Expos, understand the pain of loss all too well. Hurricane Sandy devastated five of their properties in 2012, with one completely swept away. Inspired by their own journey of rebuilding, they’ve partnered with Wendy White, founder of the nonprofit Let’s Choose Love, and its project Asheville Rising – Love Along the Way, to provide critical support to Asheville’s creative community, particularly artists in the River Arts District who were devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Showcasing the Artists of Asheville Rising
Four extraordinary Asheville-based artists—Galen Frost Bernard, Daniel McClendon, Sandra Bottinelli, and Jesse Jason—have been selected to showcase their works in the Asheville Rising Tent. These artists have not only endured the emotional toll of losing homes, studios, and supplies but have also demonstrated remarkable resilience by continuing to create.
A glimpse into their stories
Galen Frost Bernard: A father and painter who continues to create in a makeshift studio while caring for his children after his own was destroyed.
Daniel McClendon: Known for animal-inspired abstract paintings, McClendon’s studio was inundated with over 4 feet of floodwater, yet his passion for art remains unshaken.
Sandra Bottinelli: With nearly 30 years of experience, Bottinelli has persevered through losing much of her artistic foundation to the storm.
Jesse Jason: Forced to set up a temporary studio in his driveway, Jason continues to explore innovative techniques that reflect his resilience.
How You Can Help
Purchase Artwork: Support these talented artists directly by buying their work on display in the Asheville Rising Tent. Proceeds go toward their recovery and the revitalization of Asheville’s River Arts District.
Donate via QR Codes: Throughout the show, QR codes make it easy to contribute to the Asheville Rising Fund, managed by Let’s Choose Love. Your donations will fund mini-grants to help artists rebuild their homes and studios.
Visit the Asheville Rising Tent Today!
Located in the Red Zone (U11/12 & V11/12), the Asheville Rising Tent is more than an exhibit—it’s a testament to the power of community and creativity.
Support the artists.
Revitalize Asheville.
Be part of this extraordinary effort.
Shop, donate, and share the love.
Together, we can make a difference—one masterpiece at a time. 🎨✨