Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Sarah Ashe

Sarah Ashe was living in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina tore through the region. During the month that followed, while helping to clean up the wreckage in her community, she collected materials to use in a work of art: a model rescue convoy made of Mardi Gras-style floats. After the storm, Ashe moved with her husband to Middlebury, Vt. — and then Tropical Storm Irene struck. Once again, Ashe responded with her art, this time creating a miniature boat from found materials — including a map of hard-hit Wilmington — and fierce paintings of water tearing through communities. Visitors to Middlebury’s Edgewater Gallery can reflect on both storms through August 31. Pictured: “Farm Ark.”