JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The newly established Tipton-Ashe Gallery hosted its first exhibit on Friday.

The exhibit titled “Layered, Woven & Pierced: Appalachian Soul a Year On” was launched a year following the impact of Hurricane Helene. This exhibition highlights the community’s strength and perseverance in the wake of such a natural disaster.

“I find it personally restorative,” expressed Kelly Porter, an art professor and artist at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). “I’ve had conversations with several other artists here tonight who have shared their art and our narratives, alongside our personal journeys.”

Porter said the gallery represents a new beginning, physically and emotionally — one with good lighting and places to chit-chat.

“I understand they faced some challenges with the windows, but they displayed remarkable creativity in their setup,” she added. “The lighting is phenomenal. The area exudes positive energy. The adjoining hallways allow for conversation, and the acoustics are exceptional. It surpasses our expectations. We feel very fortunate to have this venue.”

She said that she felt emotional during her first walkthrough of the exhibit, as the artist statements were truly moving.

“It’s as if we collectively endured something profoundly traumatic and emerged stronger,” Porter continued. “We’ve managed to channel our artistic expression to process much of the pain and shock. It truly underscores our resilience as human beings.”

ETSU and the city hope the new gallery will become a utilized public gathering space for artists and for those just wanting to take a stroll.

“The Tipton Ashe Gallery now is such an integral space between campus and downtown,” Porter said. “It’s a connector.”

The exhibition will be open until October 18. For more details, visit ETSUNEWS.