Art can tell a story, according to Pam Crunkelton, manager of the art gallery at the Roanoke Rescue Mission’s 2nd Helpings store, opened recently at the Civic Mall on Williamson Road. Art can tell a story, as can every person who comes through the Rescue Mission’s program. People with real challenges are given an opportunity to change their lives. Local artists, through their art, are provided an opportunity to help the Mission through the ministry of 2nd Helpings.
Nearly 40 artists sell their artwork through the store’s gallery, including “2D” art, flat work that can be framed, photography, painting and collage, and what Crunkelton calls “3D” art, includeing pottery, stone sculpture and stained glass. Wearable art jewelry is also on display.
2nd Helpings officially opened for business July 6. Although similar to the Mission’s previous art gallery store–Art on a Mission–2nd Helpings has two other distinct departments, including a café serving breakfast and lunch. There is also a shop that sells clothing, furniture and pet accessories. Crunkleton said that it is easier to focus on art in the new store without other merchandise displayed nearby.
The café offers quality food, according to Jonathan McGraw, café manager.
“We really care about the people coming through the door,” McGraw said. “We want our food to be the best quality.”
Familiar names such as Boar’s Head, Homestead Creamery, H & C Coffee and Roanoke Bagels are among the suppliers. McGraw believes that customers will leave feeling satisfied with the quality of the food and service.
The café is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. So far, said McGraw, the café’s bestsellers are the Mission Stack (a club sandwich) and the Chicken and Fruit Salad. Bagel sandwiches, scones, and muffins are other choices. A wide variety of deli sandwiches, salads, soup and desserts are also on the menu. McGraw hopes that the $7.95 box lunch offered will become a popular item and figures businesses would want to order them (48 hours in advance) for trade shows at the nearby Civic Center.
Terry Wilkinson and Rhonda Hamed are managers at the 2nd Helpings retail store, where they offer formal wear, children’s clothing, accessories, scarves, shoes and some jewelry. Although Hamed noted that they don’t use the word “thrift.”
“I feel like it’s recycling—a necessity in today’s economy,” he said.
Virginia Bowyer volunteered at Art on a Mission (now closed at Tanglewood Mal) for six years. She washes, iron and mends when needed at the shop (where bedspreads, quilts, tablecloths, napkins, placemats, doilies and dresser scarves are for sale).
“I like doing something to help other people,” said Bowyer.
2nd Helpings is located on the ground floor of the old Sears store on Williamson Road—just north of the Roanoke Civic Center.
“I’m very pleased,” with the success of the store so far, said the store’s General Manager Fran Krause, adding that the July opening was timed to take place on the 61st Anniversary of the Rescue Mission’s opening. There was live piano music and string, violin and cello music for the ribbon cutting.
McGraw provided tastings of the café food. Over 300 attended, with a long line waiting to get inside. A live auction was held and almost $6,000 in sales were made in the shop and gallery that evening.
“If it’s God’s will, He’ll prosper it,” Krause said of 2nd Helping’s future. “We are pleased with sales [so far]. It is exciting to begin a new venture …and to hope that God blesses it.”
Profits from 2nd Helpings go to help sustain the operational cost of the current medical clinic at the Rescue Mission, said Krause. The Mission on 4th Street SE is in the process of raising funds to renovate a building that will be used for a new clinic, which will house medical, dental and psychiatric services.
Special parties are scheduled at 2nd Helpings on the first Thursday of the month, when Art by Night is held, with food from the cafe and live music offered. Customers will have an opportunity to meet the artist, said Crunkleton, and discuss their work.
Heath Nevergold’s photographs of sushi being made are on display and for sale at 2nd Helpings. There are stories behind the pictures, like the one taken in a Soho (NYC) sushi bar as the fish is prepared ceremonially.
When Crunkleton talks to customers in the 2nd Helpings gallery about the photos, she asks this question: “Do you think fresh fish or dried fish was used ?” to feed the masses when Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes.
2nd Helpings has a chapel, where Krause said people could find a “little peace in the middle of the day, communing with the Lord.” (Art on a Mission had a small chapel as well.) It is also a place for staff to use to minister to people who come into the shop. The prayer box is available with its prayer requests being prayed over in the managers’ meeting.
“It’s a tool we can use again,” said Krause, “We serve God here,”
The prodigal son greeting cards available at the 2nd Helpings store “represent what the Rescue Mission is doing in the community,” said Krause, about a place where the homeless are welcomed.
By Joan Kastner [email protected]