Author: Lori

Dear Friends,

“I get by with a little help from my friends…” is an important mantra for those who are impacted by mental health or substance use. It also holds true for Aurora Studio & Gallery. I am so very grateful to be able to write you this letter about the fact that we have been able to resume our programming. Many of you are aware that we needed to close our studio space in the Refinery in August. As soon as that message went out, we were contacted by our dear friends at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Western Carolina, who have offered to share their space in downtown Asheville with us. So, a big thanks to NAMI, their generosity has saved our studio! In October, we began to recommence workshops and it feels GREAT!

We soon will be restarting our weekly workshops for individuals in recovery from substance use. And, we are hosting several classes once a month. These once a month workshops include: 

• A workshop for those with lived experience (of trauma/mental health). 
• A women’s workshop for women who have lived experience (of trauma/mental health).
• A workshop open to members of NAMI.

The reason we are moving ahead is simple, the expressive arts build community and are a key to tapping in to wellness. Aurora Studio is my personal gift to our community, to hold the space needed for art-making, conversation and friendship. It is based on the feedback from others and through their testimonials that we persevere. 

One participant wrote this, “There are so few resources to help folks struggling with mental illness. Most of them come with a huge stigma and reinforce the role of “patient” and the shame that comes with it. I loved coming to art class. I felt like a human being grappling with life challenges in a safe, supportive community instead of a broken freak that no one knows how to fix.”

As we rebuild, we hope to be able to restart our Visiting Artists Program. This program invites local artists to come and teach in a variety of mediums. It is a means for area artists to meet Aurora Artists, sharing art-making techniques. This collaboration also builds bridges between the local arts community and individuals at Aurora; debunking myths of mental illness and substance use disorder.

Aurora Studio has never had a budget for salaried staff. Instead, we offer a stipend for those who regularly come and facilitate programming. Like the support from NAMI, your donations are an integral part of  what keeps us keeping on. 

Please consider giving. This year we would like to offer 10% of our fund drive to NAMI WC to pay it forward.

Below is the cost for one class, when we have full funding. $12,000/year supports one weekly class. If we receive greater funding, we can increase the number of classes we host. 

Costs  for One Class

Group Facilitator/Coordinator  =            $80/week

Peer Support/Assistant $45/week

Visiting Artists = $100/visit

Misc./Art Supplies = $25/week

TOTAL = $250/week

Donations are tax deductible and may be made through this web-site on our donate page:  https://aurorastudio-gallery.com/donate/

or by sending a check to: 

Aurora Studio & Gallery, PO Box 2094, Asheville, NC 28802.

We will also be part of the Give! Local campaign this year, if you would like to donate through that giving opportunity. 

https://givelocalguide.org/nonprofits/aurora-studio-gallery/

With gratitude,

Lori Greenberg, M.Ed, LCAS

Founder, Board Chair

https://gofund.me/8ad4f5aa (click on link)

Aurora Studio & Gallery is a nonprofit supportive art studio for creatives who have been impacted by mental health issues, substance use or being unhoused. Our workshops are small in size, for up to ten people per class and are a blend of support group and art class. We work with local artists, certified peer support specialists (those with lived experience who have been through training) and myself, a licensed clinical addiction specialist (also with lived experience). Founded in 2012, we have hosted our half-day workshops since 2013 in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. 

In the last year, we have had 92 seats for our classes. The impact of these groups for individuals has been profound. People who have been isolated have found common ground among kindred spirits and a place to create safely. Individuals have found their voice through expressing themselves within our groups and have gained tremendous pride and self-confidence. There are lots of moving stories of struggle, friendship and growth. Personally, this is the most potent undertaking I have created for myself, and I am learning and pushing my limits all the time.

In 2021, Aurora Studio moved to its first leased space of its own and was able to increase the number of classes it offered. However, several financial setbacks have happened and we are seeking support to KEEP OUR STUDIO OPEN. We would love your support!

I am so very excited to share the following pieces of news with you. They both have to do with the great fortune Aurora Studio & Gallery has had over the last several months.

The Give! Local Campaign. Aurora Studio & Gallery was selected among one of the 45 nonprofits to be part of our area’s give local campaign. Each organization that is part of this campaign, offer a truly incredible service within our community. I am humbled, that we were chosen. Look for us in this year’s Give! Local Guide. Feel free to also check out the other organizations and give if you can. The first 25 persons to give to Aurora at varying levels, will get some very cool gifts. I am attaching a link to our page on the website.:  https://givelocalguide.org/nonprofits/aurora-studio-gallery/

Secondly, now that Aurora Studio & Gallery has its own space, we will be hosting a Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale in our Studio space. Dates for this are: Nov. 20, 27, Dec. 11 & 18, from 11am – 6pm at our new studio in the Refinery AVL, 207 Coxe Ave, Asheville 28801. Come by, see our new space, purchase creative gifts for the holidays and SUPPORT OUR ARTISTS and STUDIO!

I am very much hoping to see some of you!!

With gratitude,

Lori Greenberg

On Friday, October 8, WLOS ran this video on Aurora Studio & Gallery. Our thanks to Bob Mahosky for his seamless and gentle approach to filming us.