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

"Layered, Woven & Pierced: Appalachian Soul a Year On" was debuted nearly one year after Hurricane Helene. The exhibit showcases the community's resilience in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

"For me personally, it feels very healing. And I know I've talked to several other artists here tonight that have shared their work and us telling the stories and our personal experiences," Kelly Porter, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) art professor and artist, said.

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

"I know they had to overcome some challenges with the windows, but they were incredibly i

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