As the one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene approaches, memories of the devastation endured remain fresh in the minds of many North Carolinians. Homes and businesses were destroyed and many are still rebuilding almost a year later.
Western North Carolina’s artists were also hit hard, including potters. Some potters lost their studio space, their equipment and their art. Often thought of as a safe haven climate for artists, creatives learned from Helene that natural disasters such as hurricanes can happen anywhere, including in the mountains.
But through the havoc and loss emerged stories of resilience and strength. Artists offered each other studio spaces, collected generators and other supplies for their community…