Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center will present Fragments of Hope, an exhibition showcasing the multifaceted impacts of Hurricane Helene on the lives and work of artists, artisans, and photographers throughout Western North Carolina. An opening reception will be held Saturday, March 8, from Noon to 2 p.m., in the gallery hall.
The juried exhibition not only reveals the losses experienced by the participating artists, but also celebrates their strength and resilience as they create and thrive in the aftermath of disaster.
“The concept of Fragments of Hope emerged from a collective desire to explore the emotional and physical aftermath of Hurricane Helene, as experienced by artists in this region,” said Laura Brooks, executive director of the center. “The exhibit provides a platform for artists to express their personal stories and the communal narrative of loss, recovery, and hope.”
Artists were challenged to contemplate losses such as a beloved human or pet, the destruction of a community, church, home, studio, body of art, or treasured parts of the natural environment. A physical element symbolizing that loss, such as a photograph of a loved one, a piece of storm debris, or the root of a lost tree, was to be included.
“During the hurricane, I sat bewildered and small, looking out at the wind blowing horizontally across the trees,” says Chrys Corn Goodman in her submission. “Not knowing what else I could do, I went upstairs to my studio and painted. This image of a woman showed up in my paint, looking like she’s about to throw blows. I named her Helene.”
During the opening reception the jurors will award prizes, with total cash awards of $300. The exhibit will run March 3 through May 23.
Additionally, images by professional drone photographer Mark Krancer, showing the impact of the storm in the Franklin area, will be on display.
For more information, visit coweeschool.org/exhibits.
