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Moria Egan is the Administrative director of E98
Making sure to rebuild the supplies the studio lost in the tornado.
Oh, where to begin.
Hello friends and community members, we at E98 hope that you are all safe and well after last week's F2 tornado that devastated the city of Rome. Let me begin with a small backstory for those in the community that we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet!
E98 art studio is the home away from home for many young artists learning their craft. Steve Snegon, and his partner Moria Egan, are the owners and artists behind the classes and parties that so many members of the community have taken part in. As many people know, Steve can be found hanging out at the shop and working on some form of art, from sculpture to tattoos, at just about any time of day or night. He’s always either swapping stories and jokes with passersby while he paints outside, tattooing or designing for his next client, teaching students how to use charcoal, or even teaching a paint party for a group of local swifties!
For over twenty years Steve ran the Studio, previously owned for many years by his father, in New Jersey. That was until two years ago when Steve and Moria decided to move up north after immediately finding their meant-to-be home while visiting Rome. The two decided to take the leap and move the business. A year ago they also took on two wonderful employees, Hallie and Cullen, on top of the several other students who help teach classes.
E98 Art Studio just completed set up in the new location on West Dominic in April. But last week a tornado reading level F2 ripped out the HVAC system, blasted the windows, started several other leaks throughout the building, and moved the back wall. The damage was extensive, and months of hard work from students as well as supplies and tattoo equipment was lost. Even art passed down in Steve’s family through several generations was lost. Thankfully Steve was safe despite being in the shop when the windows exploded. He and his family also suffered some damage to their property.
According to the restoration companies, the E98 Art Studio was unfortunately the most affected part of the strip from the water damage in the roof. Unfortunately, this means that the entire space needs to be emptied and stripped down to its bare bones. Walls will need to be demolished and rebuilt. We have to completely start over.
We currently have a large system of dehumidifiers in place, and teams will soon come in to knock down the damaged drywall. This is especially devastating as this is Steve’s only income to care for his family. We are asking that if anyone has the means to help, we need every bit we can muster up! We are confident that Rome will not only survive this, but come out on the other side as a closer knit community. Art will bring us all together!
We are so very grateful for every single member of the community that has helped clean, supplied tarps, drywall, brooms, trash bags, food, water, even scratch off tickets! Our community has shown nothing but perseverance as we all come together in this time of crisis. Those affected in our area were extensive, from Francas Wine Bar, Boys from Italy, Engelberts, Rome Art Association, Capitol Theatre, Keaton and Loyd bookshop, Copper Easel and Superofficial, and so so many more. Not to mention those working in the buildings attached to the now demolished Paul Revere Building, a true piece of Rome history. Please keep everyone in our area in your thoughts, and help wherever you are able.
We can’t wait to create with you again!
Brick by Brick…..
-The E98 Team
