artists building a better wnc
Our story
One Village was founded on the belief that art shouldn't be a luxury, but belong to everyone.
With that conviction, Mon Bethelwood started Arise and Shine Arts in Hendersonville NC, bringing accessible art classes for children and teens to the community there. After moving back to Asheville, she was forced to put that dream on hold when life took her in a different direction.
Then, Hurricane Helene hit.
Armed with only a camp stove, a few pounds of ground beef, and burger fixings, Mon set up in West Asheville and started cooking. Within a week, One Love Kitchen was born. Within two, it was a full operation of 20+ volunteers - mainly local artists - cooking on the side of the road, serving hundreds of hungry neighbors and essential workers for a month after Helene.
One Love Kitchen made sure anyone who needed a hot meal and a place to belong could find one. In doing so, it showed what's possible when people from all walks of life pull up a chair together.
For Mon, the connection was impossible to ignore. The volunteers feeding neighbors were artists. The neighbors showing up were the same community she'd always wanted to reach. With this revelation, One Village was born.
The mission is simple. Mobilize artists to build a stronger, more united WNC through education, shared meals, and hands-on community work.
