North Carolina Artist Transforms Helene’s Broken Glass Into ‘Bluebirds of Hope’
OLD FORT, N.C. — A North Carolina artist is turning the wreckage of a devastating storm into symbols of beauty and resilience. One year after Hurricane Helene tore through her community, Omi Salavea has found a way to repurpose the shattered remnants left behind — transforming them into intricate figurines she calls “Bluebirds of Hope.”
From Devastation to Inspiration
When Helene struck the western North Carolina town of Old Fort, debris littered the streets and yards. Among the destruction, Salavea noticed the colorful reflections of broken glass catching the sunlight. What began as an effort to clear hazards from her neighborhood soon became an artistic mission.
“We already had been through a massive, historic event, and I didn’t want one more bad thing to happen to somebody, like getting a flat tire,” Salavea said. “I think it was my coping mechanism to pick up broken bits of glass and nails.”
Creating the ‘Bluebirds of Hope’
As the shards piled up, Salavea began embedding them into clear resin sculptures shaped like birds, a design inspired by the traditional symbol of happiness. Each figurine holds fragments of glass left behind by Helene — giving new life to what was once destroyed.
“Those colorful reflections prompted me to repurpose the glass, giving them a life beyond their brokenness,” she said.
The Bluebirds of Hope now serve as a tangible reminder of how creativity can emerge from catastrophe, connecting Old Fort’s history of loss with a renewed sense of hope.
Scavenger Hunts Bring Healing to the Community
Inspired by her love of geocaching, Salavea has started community scavenger hunts that invite residents and visitors to search for her hidden glass birds across Old Fort. Many of the hiding spots are symbolic — located in areas that were once heavily damaged and have since been rebuilt.
She hopes these hunts not only inspire others to see beauty in recovery but also draw attention to how far the town has come. “I would love to continue this on until there’s no more glass and no more nails to pick up,” Salavea said.
Participants can find clues and updates on Salavea’s Instagram page, where she shares photos of the birds and stories from her community.
Residents say her project has become a heartfelt symbol of the town’s perseverance, a blend of remembrance and renewal that turns tragedy into art.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel invites readers to share how art or community projects have helped their towns heal after natural disasters. Visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com to join the conversation.
