Hurricane Sandy Through the Lens of Local Photographers

March 28, 2013 Pat Casey westchester

The photography exhibit features shots taken before during and just after Hurricane Sandy blew through the Northeast.

ArtsWestchester is hosting a photography exhibit “Hurricane Sandy Through the Lens of Local Photographers” at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, in White Plains, through Sunday, April 28th.

The photographs on display mark the widespread devastation of high winds and flooding water as people ventured out to check on neighbors and loved ones as the storm passed. Some took their kyacks and paddled through wreckage. Others dodged live electrical wires and downed trees. Still others pointed their cameras to the sky and captured the beauty of wind tossed clouds as they gave way to sun that danced on still rocky seas.

The ages of the photographers range from teens to seniors, professionals and amateurs alike, each capturing moments of a life-changing experience that mark the storm, the aftermath and rebuilding. For some, the images are heart wrenching, depicting the stark reality of homes lost and the treasures of lifetimes gone with them.

As people rallied together to help each other, Habitat for Humanity of Westchester hit the ground running, first in Westchester, and then in the Rockaways. Immediately HFHW employees and 5,000 volunteers cleared trees and debris from the winds of Sandy.

Habitat of Westchester was called to the Rockaways to assist four days after the storm hit. Generators, pumps and contractor bags were brought by the thousands.

March 29^th marks the five month anniversary. By that date 250 homes have been gutted and mucked. Seven hundred homes have been registered. One hundred homes have had sheetrock and insulation delivered by Habitat volunteers. Two families have been moved back into their homes and Habitat hopes to moves 10 families back into their homes during April.