Grand Opening of Bottinelli Fine Art in Asheville’s River Arts District

Celebrating Resilience and Renewal One Year After Hurricane Helene

Asheville, NC — August 16, 2025 — Bottinelli Fine Art is proud to announce its Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, September 13, from 5–8 PM in Asheville’s River Arts District. The event marks a joyful return for gallery owner and painter Sandra Bottinelli, whose previous gallery, Modern Muse, was destroyed during the devastating floods of Hurricane Helene in 2024.

Bottinelli Fine Art will showcase eight artists: four Resident Artists, who maintain working studios within the gallery, and four Satellite Artists, who present their work in curated exhibitions. Remarkably, five of these artists were part of Modern Muse, carrying forward a legacy of creative community and resilience. Guests at the grand opening will enjoy small bites, drinks, and the opportunity to meet the artists in person.

“The River Arts District is my home — not only as an artist, but also as a neighbor. After the storm, so much was lost, but this gallery represents starting over, rebuilding, and celebrating resilience through art,” said Bottinelli, who has been an integral part of the RAD community for over 13 years. She previously operated WhiteSPACE Gallery in the Wedge Studios for a decade, followed by two years at Modern Muse in Riverview Station. Now, she fulfills a longtime dream of living above her gallery and workspace at Bottinelli Fine Art.

The River Arts District, which suffered significant losses during Hurricane Helene, remains one of Asheville’s most vibrant cultural hubs. The opening of Bottinelli Fine Art stands as a symbol of renewal and the enduring power of art in community.