“When moving to Roanoke almost two years ago, the group gathering daily at the Highland Park Dog Park was the only community I could really observe,” says Fredericksburg native and Radford University graduate Hannah Milam. “We were still in lockdown and hellos were distant.

The dog-park showed me what the Roanoke community really is: neighborly, caring, and social. The dogs were just an excuse to share community. There are large elm and oak trees throughout the park and there are views of the Blue Ridge. There's cheer, compassion, and community; and this is the inspiration for this piece.”
Milam also finds a creative wellspring in Roanoke’s history and diversity. “I’m inspired by the students I teach, conversations at the dog park and these ‘prisoning hills.’ These mountains hold space in my soul. This is my home.”