Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
On Saturday, March 1, 2025 the Playmakers hosted their final performance of "Surge." Community members came out to support and honor the award-winning play, filling up the 660 seat house. Prior to the show, a gallery walk showcased student art, with included stations for people to make crafts and share their Hurricane Helene stories on typewriters.
The Playmakers is an elite theater ensemble at Watauga High School, upholding a long-standing tradition of artistic excellence. "Surge" details the story of three families whose lives were drastically changed by the hurricane. The play also features an original song written by three of the group's members.
Photo Credits: Charlie Stumb and Adrienne Stumb, Watauga Yearbook
Wildwood Agile Learning Center
Wildwood Agile Learning Center
The Wildwood Learning Center is a self-directed micro-school for ages 7 to 14 in Watauga County. Unfortunately, the school suffered a tremendous loss during the hurricane and are currently renting their relocated space.
"The kids were feeling the heaviness of the community and were thinking like, 'What can we do? ' And that's why they started to make bracelets that have happy messages on them that share hope and joy," said Rebekah Canu, co-director of A.L.C. "And they walked around downtown for multiple days and gave them to people and students."
Arts & Crafts
Arts & Crafts
Kelley Donnelly, Julia McKinney, and Edie Berke participate in bracelet making.
At the "Surge: The Last Wave" community event, attendees had the opportunity to create different arts and crafts in reflection of the tragedies of Hurricane Helene. Beaded bracelet making is a way to spread encouragement by making a bracelet that features a word of hope.
The driving idea behind creating these accessories and small-form art pieces is to represent the beauty in rebuilding, particularly when a community comes together to reflect and move forward.
Student Art
Student Art
Pictured is a loom weaved with unique scraps of fabric, crafted by students at Mabel and Green Valley Elementary School. Each piece shares a short story from the student's experience in the aftermath of the hurricane.
“In an art class you can express yourself in so many ways, this being one of them," said Ashley Tate, art teacher at Mabel and Green Valley Elementary School. "And it goes along with weaving as one of our units. This was weaving on our loom and re-purposing. I always like to bring that into my projects, too, just showing kids how they can make art out of things that they might have at home or things that people are getting rid of."
Typewriter Truths
Typewriter Truths
At the event, community members had the opportunity to write 'Typewriter Truths' that touch on the events of Hurricane Helene. Each typewriter had a prompt that encouraged a different way to reflect on the varying sentiments felt throughout the hurricane and its aftermath.
The Actors
The Actors
Brecken Sauthoff, Rowan Tait, Lilly Sky Hampton, Edie Berke, and Eriana Fidler sing closing song during the final performance of Surge.
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