“I decided to stop the aging process with a 12-gauge shotgun.”
“The very first Project Hands interview was powerful, heartbreaking and inspiring – I’ll never forget meeting Rick.”
Local photojournalist Laura Weeks is sharing Rick’s story and many others through “The Stories We Hold,” a special photography exhibit on May 15 from 6-8 pm, 2nd Helpings Gallery.
Weeks work, which she called Project Hands, has been a labor of love over the past year. The 24 year-old James Madison University graduate has spent countless hours interviewing over 50 people, young and old, who were guests at The Rescue Mission. She concluded each interview by photographing a portrait of the person’s hands.
“I wanted to give a voice to the voiceless,” Weeks stated. “I found that the voiceless have powerful stories to share; stories of loneliness, loss, love, regret — and through it all, unyielding hope and faith.”
Weeks has compiled the stories into a keepsake book, which will be for sale at the reception. The portraits will also be on display and available for purchase, with all proceeds benefitting the Rescue Mission.
Weeks says, “This project has been extremely humbling for me. I look at so many little aspects of daily life differently now because of these stories. I appreciate more deeply and say ‘thank you’ to God often.”
The exhibit, which will feature live music and refreshments, is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by The Rescue Mission and Magnets USA, where Weeks is employed as Marketing Communications Coordinator.
2nd helpings, a ministry of the Roanoke Rescue Mission, is located at 1502 Williamson Road. An upscale resale shop, an art gallery representing hundreds of local artists and an eclectic café combine to make the 2nd helpings experience one you will enjoy. All profits made at 2nd helpings go to The Rescue Mission to help serve all people in need regardless of race, creed, gender, age, or ethnicity. For more information about 2nd helpings, please visit www.2ndhelpings.org, or call (540) 491-9409. For information about the Rescue Mission, please visit www.rescuemission.net or call (540) 343-7227.
