Eno Arts Mill reopens after devastating flood damage

Updated 3 hours ago
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Eno Arts Mill officially reopened its doors to the public Friday night in Orange County.

The grand reopening took place during the monthly "First Fridays at The Mill" event.

The reopening marks a major milestone in the arts hub's recovery after it was forced to close last July following Tropical Storm Chantal.

The storm caused significant flooding, with knee-deep water damaging the facility and destroying large amounts of artwork housed at Eno Arts Mill.

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An outpouring of community support and donations helped make the reopening possible.



The celebration was dedicated to the artists, staff, volunteers and community members who helped restore the facility.

Katie Murray, executive director of the Orange County Arts Commission, said she has high hopes for the space after the setback.

"We were completely gutted. We got about three and a half feet of water throughout our space. All the walls had to be cut, and these 150-year-old floors had to be replaced. It was really starting from the ground up. A lot of our artists lost 30 years of art," Murray said.

Most artists have returned to their studios at the mill, she said.



Donations received by Eno Arts Mill allowed the organization to reimburse artists for losses caused by Tropical Storm Chantal.

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