OLD FORT, N.C. – An artist in western North Carolina is creating beauty from the devastation of Helene, as her community continues to recover one year after the historic storm.

For Omi Salavea, the pursuit to create from what was broken began the winter after Helene wreaked havoc on her town of Old Fort, North Carolina.

While still reeling from the physical and spiritual toll of the storm, she began making figurines inspired by Bluebirds of Hope – a symbol of happiness – to create a bit of joy as she and her tight-knit community mourned.

The seed of the idea began after Salavea noticed broken bits of glass and other sharp debris throughout parts of Old Fort in the wake of Helene.

She noted how she felt compelled to pick up the pieces she found.

"We already had been through a massive,

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