—David Menconi, Down on Copperline
Here’s one way to put the destruction wrought by Tropical Storm Chantal into perspective. Between 8 and 12 inches of rain fell across Orange County when the storm hit on July 6-7. Based on an average of 10 inches, Chantal dropped the rough equivalent of one day’s worth of water flowing through Niagra Falls on Orange County’s 400 square miles. Small wonder that it caused unprecedented flooding.
Among the hardest-hit local institutions was the Orange County Arts Commission’s Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough, where 15 artists had studio space. According to Katie Murray, director of the arts commission as well as executive director of the Orange County Arts Alliance, the building was a total loss for everyone.
“It’s been tragic, man,” Katie Murray said shortly after the storm. “No one in there had flood insurance because, in the 138 years that building has existed, it never flooded before this.”
If there’s been a silver lining to the disaster, it lies in how the local community has risen to the occasion. Numerous people have volunteered to help in various ways, starting with pitching in to do the difficult (and nasty) work of digging out the muck left behind by the floodwaters.
Nevertheless, the need remains great, especially for money. If you’ve been wondering how you can help, there are an array of fund-raising activities going on.
Orange County Arts Alliance Give
The most straightforward way to contribute money to the cause is through the fund-raising link on the artsorange.org website. As the alliance is a 501c(3) organization, all general donations are tax-deductible – and earmarked for the support of Orange County artists affected by the storm. For the foreseeable future, you can make that donation here.
Common Good Mutual Aid Auction – Aug. 15 through Sept. 22, 2025, at Carrboro ArtsCenter
This auction event features works donated by area artists, who responded to a call for donations. The majority of proceeds from it are likewise earmarked for artist support in Orange County.
*Smash and Slam 2 – Aug. 24, 2025, at Proximity Brewing in Durham
Billed as “a weird, high-low celebration of the Triangle’s food and creativity,” Smash and Slam 2 is a “burger and poetry showdown” designed to appeal to gourmands of words as well as food. Participants include Counting House chef Melanie Wilkerson and poet/Piedmont Laureate emeritus Dasan Ahanu. A percentage of ticket sales will go to Eno Arts Mill.
Salt & Smoke & Sound – Oct. 18, 2025, at Blackwood Park outside Chapel Hill
The Salt and Smoke Festival has joined forces with Sonark Media’s annual Harvest Festival for this music and food event. This year’s performers include Big Something, Rissi Palmer, Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Kaira Ba, Nothing Good, Ben Solley and My Brother’s Keeper.
Other fund-raising events are in the works for the coming weeks and months, because there is still a great need for help. It’s going to stay that way for a good long while, too.
“We are raising money in a variety of ways that will go back out to artists in Orange County,” says Murray. “I do think we’re gonna be alright. We’re lucky to have a county that’s so supportive, so we can focus our efforts on helping our artists get some money in their pocket.”
