INTO LIGHT Project, a national nonprofit dedicated to changing the conversation about drug addiction and erasing stigma, is accepting submissions for its ninth state art exhibition, to be held at the University of Denver, Aug. 31-Nov. 18, 2023.
The INTO LIGHT Project exhibition is made up of original portraits and narratives of 41 Coloradans who have passed away from a drug overdose/drug poisoning. Each person who submits their loved one for the project will be asked to send three photos that can be used to produce an original graphite portrait by an INTO LIGHT Project professional artist. They will also fill out a questionnaire that writers will use to produce a story about each person. At the close of the exhibition, families will be given the original framed portrait and a catalog of narratives. There is no cost to participate, though donations are always welcome.
The portraits and narratives comprise the exhibition, which humanizes the disease of addiction and brings awareness to the stigma that those who have experienced it. The goal is to change the conversation about drug addiction by educating the public that substance use disorder is a disease, not a moral failing, and that those who suffer from it deserve treatment and support, as do their families.
The submission portal is open now and closes June 30 or earlier if the exhibit is filled. The 41 spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Indigenous, Black and People of Color are encouraged to submit, as these individuals are often underrepresented. Please view the INTO LIGHT PROJECT website to see videos and photos of previous exhibitions before submitting.
“Rather than have our loved ones forever defined by the disease of addiction and the cause of their death, we wish to portray them in their entirety, both the light and the dark,” said Theresa Clower, founder, INTO LIGHT Project. “A goal of the project is to change the conversation about drug addiction, educate the public and alleviate the stigma surrounding drug addiction.”
Clower was inspired to create INTO LIGHT Project shortly after the death of her son, Devin Bearden, to an accidental drug overdose in February 2018 in Baltimore. Having never attempted portraiture work before, she picked up her pencil and began drawing. It was a cathartic experience that allowed her to say goodbye to her son.
In so doing, Theresa tapped into an entirely new calling — drawing the faces of others who had lost their lives to drug addiction. From there, INTO LIGHT Project held its first exhibition in Baltimore in 2019. Since then, exhibits have been held in eight states with more booked through 2025.