“Housing Insecurity Explored” Art Exhibit

Vicki Van Tassel-McGrath was funded with an Art Matters Grant to explore housing insecurity in the Roanoke Valley. The retired art teacher with a background in journalism plays the blues harmonica.

In combining visual arts, music, and the written word, she brings unique insight to relaying the stories of individuals and families who have struggled to be housed. Through inquiry and interviews with the Roanoke community she has discovered a wealth of information on this topic and seeks to share it with her audience. 

Through her efforts over the last six months, she has watched lives change. Her hope is that, as a result of looking at her art, listening to her music, and reading the summaries of her remarkable subjects, the perspectives of viewers will be changed as well.

Other stories waiting to be told focus on the individuals and organizations whose mission it is to improve the lives of the housing insecure.

Vicki’s work will be exhibited in several locations in coming months, beginning with the Habitat ReStore at 3435 Melrose Avenue, NW, on June 27.

ReStore hours are
– Tuesday , Thursday and Friday  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– Wed. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m
– Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


Fragment of a Life

Mother and Daughter

Watch a video interview with Serena and her daughter

Christmas Melody

Flag in Distress

On the Bench

Listen, Jesus