Through his camera lens, Jack Flame Sorokin ’15 (Photography BFA) captured the resilience of a North Carolina community facing devastation.
Nestled more than 2,000 feet above sea level in the Appalachian Mountains, Marshall, North Carolina — with its 800 residents — holds a cherished place in the heart of photographer Jack Flame Sorokin ’15 (Photography BFA), who once called it home. “My mom still lives there, and I have many friends still there,” he shares. “This is the closest I got to a small town — a tight-knit community where you know everyone, even if just by sight.”
During his years in Marshall, Sorokin wasn’t just a visitor. He operated a downtown business, lived among close friends, and connected with several MICA classmates who also moved to the area. Known for its rich arts culture, Marshall once flourished with affordable studio spaces, galleries, and a vibrant downtown. But Hurricane Helene’s arrival in late September devastated the town, turning its streets and historic landmarks into a muddy wreckage.
Miles away in New York, Sorokin followed the news and kept in touch with his mother, who shared a video of floodwaters rising and destroying everything in their path. Without hesitation, he packed his car and headed to Marshall to offer his help.
He described the scene upon returning: “Driving in, everything seemed normal — lawns freshly mowed, the mountains still beautiful. But arriving downtown, I was stunned. Every building’s first floor was destroyed, the streets were clogged with debris, and mud was everywhere. The contrast was staggering.” Even places deeply connected to Sorokin, like his former Main Street residence, were heavily damaged. “Seeing the front of the building torn off was heartbreaking,” he recalls.
Encouraged by a fellow MICA alumnus, Frank Lombardo ’02 (Painting BFA), whose studio was submerged in seven feet of water, Sorokin realized his role went beyond volunteering with the physical cleanup. But he never imagined his skills as a photographer would contribute to the relief efforts.
“Frank told me the most impactful thing I could do was document this moment,” Sorokin recalls. He began capturing the emotional and physical toll of the storm on the community, highlighting not only the devastation but also the unwavering spirit of the residents. “I started to rely on photography to process what was happening — for myself and for Marshall,” Sorokin explains. His work was featured in national publications, helping to garner support and draw attention to the town’s plight. “This is a community worth investing in,” Sorokin affirms. “Marshall may be small, but its heart is enormous.”
Lombardo also found inspiration in the crisis. “In the midst of all the challenges, I’ve tapped into reserves of energy and leadership I never knew I had as an artist. I’m rising to the occasion as a better person than I thought I’d be.”
Other residents also used their art to help process the trauma and bring healing. Lisa Mandle ’83 (General Fine Arts BFA), a local artist and MICA grad, offered free movement classes to help residents express themselves nonverbally. “I’ve been honing a class that invites creativity and self-expression, which felt especially needed after the storm,” Mandle says. She also co-organized a fashion show using repurposed PPE as a fundraiser for relief efforts funding. “The entire town came together in the most beautiful way,” she recalls. “Out of devastation came creativity, love, and joy.”
As recovery continues, Marshall faces challenges. Sorokin cautions that without sufficient support, the downtown may be replaced by parks or green spaces, threatening its artistic identity. Yet, he remains hopeful. “Marshall punches above its weight. Its resilience and creativity are what make it so special.”
For Sorokin, Marshall is more than a chapter in his life; it’s a testament to the power of community and the role of art in uplifting those in need. “While there are no words for the devastation, the love here is just as evident as the damage,” he reflects. Through his photography, Sorokin has transformed Marshall’s struggles into a powerful symbol of resilience and hope for others to witness.
