Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

I couldn’t believe it was still there. The one painting I wanted—out of probably 75 in the home when the Boonesboro estate sale started two days prior—hung in the second room I entered. I snatched up the colorful rendering of a Ford driving into a sunset on a western country road as soon as I saw it. And since it was the last day of the sale, the price was half-off.

I was so happy with it. Was it the most technical masterpiece ever? Nope. The perspectives were interesting, the orientations were skewed, and the freehanded letters were, well, about what you’d expect from freehanded letters. But for all of its perceived “shortcomings,” it absolutely captured my imagination. I hung it on my wall the moment I got home.

I looked up the artist later that night. I wasn’t surprised that Bill Tucker, born in 1936, was the former resident of the home—but what shocked me was that he didn’t pick up a paintbrush until he was in his 80s. His obituary said that art “opened a whole new world of enjoyment” for him. It’s no longer just a painting to me; it’s a piece of someone’s second act, full of color and courage. And it’s sparked a whole new world of enjoyment for me, too. 

Bill’s painting reminded me that life has more chapters than we sometimes expect—and beauty can arrive long after we think the story’s slowing down. This weekend, I encourage you to pick up a paintbrush. Don’t worry if the strokes aren’t perfect or the lines aren’t crisp. Do it because it’s fun. Do it to enjoy. Do it for Bill. And while you’re at it, know this: I’m so glad you’re here.

Here’s what you need to know: Affectionately called the “Star City of the South,” Roanoke has more to offer than just its iconic Mill Mountain Star. The city’s vibrant mural scene is a colorful testament to its artistic spirit, adding life and character to its streets.

Our top picks:

• “Nightingale”—Start your mural tour with “Nightingale,” a collaboration between Brazilian artist Thiago Valdi and local muralist Jon Murrill. This vibrant piece, featuring a portrait of Danielle Austin, a beloved educator, bursts with bright colors and symbolic imagery.

• “1218 Train Mural”—Jon Murrill’s “1218 Train Mural” is a tribute to the Norfolk and Western 1218 steam engine, an iconic symbol of Roanoke’s rail history. This mural celebrates the historic locomotive with intricate detail, serving as a reminder of the city’s rich railroad heritage. 

• “Greetings from Roanoke”—The “Greetings from Roanoke” mural, designed by Joe Collins with support from Virginia Western Community College and Downtown Roanoke, Inc., offers a playful, vintage postcard-style depiction of the city’s landmarks.

Feeling inspired? There’s more to see in Roanoke along the amazing mural trail. 

Question of the Week: Did you ever create a piece of art you were really proud of? Whether it’s a painting, photograph, poem, or other form of artistic expression, feel free to send me a copy at amie@couriernewsroom.com. Who knows—it might even be featured in a future Dogwood newsletter!

Virginia state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi won a six-way primary on Tuesday to be the Democratic nominee for Virginia lieutenant governor this fall. 

On Wednesday morning, former Richmond mayor Levar Stoney, who received the second-highest number of votes, conceded to Hashmi, who declared victory Tuesday night. Democratic party leaders quickly rallied around her. The AP also called the race for Hashmi late Wednesday morning. 

“Tonight, Virginians made history,” Hashmi said in an email statement. “We didn’t just win a primary, we sent a clear message that we won’t be bullied, broken, or dragged backward by the chaos in Washington.”

Hashmi joins a ticket that includes former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger as the Democrats’ nominee for governor and former state delegate Jay Jones as the nominee for attorney general. 

Hashmi is now running against the Republican nominee John Reid, a right-wing radio host who did not face a primary challenge, for the post. Republicans have struggled to embrace Reid: Gov. Glenn Youngkin tried to push him off the ticket over porn allegations. Reid has yet to appear alongside Republican nominee for governor Winsome Earle-Sears, who currently serves as Virginia’s lieutenant governor.

• Jay Jones won the Democratic nomination Tuesday night for Virginia’s attorney general after a primary campaign where he focused on resisting President Donald Trump’s policies. Jones will square off with Republican Jason Miyares, who faced no primary challenger, for the job in the fall. (READ MORE HERE).

• After two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot in targeted attacks, Virginia leaders from both parties say political violence has gone too far—and must stop (READ MROE HERE).

• Did you cast your ballot earlier this week during Primary Day? We caught up with Virginians who performed their civic duty. Here’s what Vietnam veteran Bill Heaton of Prince William County had to say about the importance of voting (WATCH HERE).

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