The Deep Blue Ridge: Former prison inmate carves life’s story in wood for all to see
One Vinton man is hoping his story of hardships and hard-time inspires others to persevere and he does so by telling his story through wood. “I see things in wood in art. My hands for some reason have to continually move. I think it is a creative instinct.”
The Deep Blue Ridge: Glass-blowing artist shares childhood memory that sparked his love for glass
A childhood memory inspired one man to pursue a passion in the industry of glass blowing and now, he’s giving back to people in the community interested in the art. Parker Stafford, 57, runs his own hot glass studio and gallery at 8685 Virginia Avenue in Newport.
The Deep Blue Ridge: Man who was once homeless is now thriving, working for organization that rescued him
A Roanoke man is hoping his testimony of turning his life around from homelessness will inspire others struggling in life to never stop fighting for better circumstances. Now, he is giving back to the very organization that rescued him from hitting rock bottom.
The Deep Blue Ridge: Roanoke woman doesn’t allow her mental illness to stop her passion for serving people experiencing homelessness
A Roanoke woman who has dedicated her life to serving people experiencing homelessness is sharing where this passion developed and how she closely relates to those dealing with these kinds of struggles. Dawn Sandoval, 55, is the founder of The Least of These Ministry or TLOT.
The Deep Blue Ridge: Puppeteer shares how art has molded her life to help others
One Roanoke woman is making a difference in the community with her trash-to-treasure art. She’s doing so, not only by inspiring people to care about the environment, but by inspiring people to care about their passions as well.