The story of the beautiful new river mural at FBRA’s South Campus began last September. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, the need for quick, organized relief was urgent. As communities in Western North Carolina scrambled to rebuild, two organizations quickly stepped in to make a difference: the French Broad River Academy (FBRA) and the Helene Rebuild Collaborative (HRC). Together, these two groups became part of a larger effort to support families, restore homes, and provide vital resources to those affected by the storm.
FBRA acted swiftly when HRC needed a place to base its operations. Without hesitation, the school opened the doors of its South Campus, usually reserved for students from the Girls Program, to HRC’s relief efforts. The Maria Noakes Outdoor Center, a spacious building typically housing outdoor gear like canoes, camping trailers, and other equipment, quickly became a vital hub for the HRC leadership team and an army of volunteers.
For over a month, this unassuming building became a beacon of hope and progress as the HRC team and volunteers worked tirelessly to support affected communities. But once HRC was able to move into a more permanent space Executive Director, Lance Buskey, reached out to FBRA with a heartfelt request: He wanted to honor the incredible partnership between the two organizations.
A Vision of Gratitude & Unity
Lance envisioned a lasting tribute to the selfless efforts of the volunteers, the unwavering support of FBRA, and the essential role the building had played in the recovery of Western North Carolina. After considering several ideas, the consensus was clear—create a mural that would capture the powerful relationship between the French Broad River and the community it nourishes.
The mural would serve as a reminder of the critical work done in the space, the lives saved, and the relief provided to so many. But beyond that, it would beautify the building, creating an inspiring work of art for the students, staff, and the broader community who interact with the space daily.
Supporting Local Artists & Making an Impact
As the vision for the mural began to take shape, it became evident that this project could also have a significant impact on local artists who had been affected by the hurricane, many of whom lost everything. The thought of creating an opportunity for one of these artists was not only meaningful, but also an important step in the recovery process for Western North Carolina’s artistic community.
Tricia Chan, FBRA’s Girls Program Director, connected the team with Anna Bryant, a professional painter and muralist from Asheville’s River Arts District. Anna, whose murals can be seen throughout the town, was a natural fit for the project. And fittingly, Anna’s former studio was located in the same building that housed the original FBRA Boys and Girls Programs until 2019—an inspiring connection between the artist and the school.
Anna Bryant’s Vision for the Mural
Anna’s artistic vision for the mural was nothing short of awe-inspiring. She saw the French Broad River as more than just a body of water—it was a symbol of life, connection, and resilience. Anna’s words beautifully capture the spirit of the project:
“The French Broad River has long been a source of life, adventure, and connection—bringing people together through its steady, ever-moving flow. After Hurricane Helene, I had the honor of creating a mural for French Broad River Academy that reflects the river’s power to unite and sustain us. This project became a meaningful step in the healing process, reminding us of nature’s strength—its ability to both give and take—and the deep respect it commands. The mural now stands as a tribute to resilience, the bonds we share, and the river that connects us all.”
A Lasting legacy of Healing & Growth
The mural stands as a testament to the resilience of the community, the strength of the river, and the transformative power of collaboration. For both FBRA and HRC, this project serves as a meaningful reminder of the hard work that was accomplished in the building, as well as the healing process that continues as we all recover from the storm.
More than just a piece of art, the mural is a symbol of the partnership that helped to rebuild homes and lives. It is a visual tribute to the power of unity, the commitment of volunteers, and the indomitable spirit of a community coming together after a disaster. For the students, staff, and residents of Western North Carolina, it will forever serve as a message of hope and a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, we can rebuild and emerge stronger than before.
FBRA and HRC are deeply honored to collaborate with Anna Bryant on this project. The mural will not only beautify the space but will continue to inspire healing and growth for all who come into contact with it.
