RICHMOND, Va. — Jerrod Buford first picked up a paintbrush as a kid, never imagining that same creative outlet would carry him through his darkest days in prison.

Buford, who grew up in Williamsburg, was convicted and arrested as a young man and spent almost a decade behind bars. During that time, he struggled deeply.

“Turning to drugs and alcohol to kind of shadow over emotions,” Buford said. “Looking for acceptance, approval. Not just from my parents, but from friends, from, you name it. I mean, I tried to commit suicide, I don’t even know how many times,” Buford said.

It was inside prison walls that art became more than a hobby.

“Throughout my prison time, I learned, the freedom that I desired, I’ve always had it. I got, I found it, in a box,” Buford said.

More than three years after his release, Buford continues to advocate for art as a tool for healing. He describes his work as a gift he feels called to share.

“I received a blessing from God that just allowed me to display what he’s given me,” Buford said.

For Buford, creating art is also a way of processing his past.

“That’s what art has done for me. It’s given me the ability to look at parts of my life, all parts of my life, and find the good and the negative, learn from the negative,” Buford said.

He shares his story and artwork with a wide audience through social media, including live sessions on TikTok, and holds art classes with new communities.

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Buford said his mission is to help others find their own path toward healing — whatever form that takes.

“What I strive to do is guide this person to just create, man. Don’t care what people think about your creation, you just need to get it out,” Buford said. “Whether it’s with art, addressing your mental health, getting your life right — just do it.”

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Lovingston, VA (7News) — Good Morning Washington interviews Amanda Beckwith of Virginia Distillery Company- one of the contributing distilleries to the Virginia Spirits Board’s 250th Celebration Trio Pack, a special, exclusive release created to commemorate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. This limited-edition package features a curated collection of a rum, a gin, and a whiskey, all crafted from scratch by distillers in Virginia to celebrate the rich history and current state of distilling within the Commonwealth.

Beckwith elaborates on VA Distillery Company’s role in the project, noting her focus on Virginia-grown grain to make the bottle of unique whiskey that is included in the Trio Pack. It is also worth noting that the Trio Packs themselves were bottled and produced right here at Virginia Distilling Company!

American single malts are the newest official category of American whiskey, distilled from one grain and from a single distillery. Virginia Distillery Co specializes in this new category of whiskey and crafted their contribution to the Trio Pack with this very specialty. Given the limited remaining availability of the Trio Pack, its historical value and collectible nature, the message it loud and clear encouraging viewers to grab a pack before they are all gone!

21+ Please drink responsibly, this content is sponsored by Virginia Distillery Company.

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