About the
Drug Addiction: Real People,
Real Stories Exhibition

Art for Social Change

Discover the Project

INTO LIGHT Project, a national non-profit, creates public exhibitions of original portraits and individual stories of people who have died from the disease of drug addiction in locations around the country. Our mission is to change the conversation about drug addiction through the power of original art and story. We recognize the powerful influence of museums and galleries to promote social innovation and are looking for partnerships that inspire social change, through art. INTO LIGHT Project will select one public academic museum or gallery in each state based on their ability to engage the community by building meaningful educational programming around the exhibit that addresses issues about the disease of addiction. 

Each INTO LIGHT Project exhibition consists of up to 41 original graphite portraits of people who have died from drug addiction in the state where the exhibit is held. Each portrait is accompanied by a professionally written narrative about the lives of the individuals in the exhibit. INTO LIGHT Project works with local support groups, counties, municipalities, and other stakeholders to identify individuals for the exhibition. The original, professionally framed portrait and a catalog of the narratives of each of the individuals in the exhibit are gifted to the family of the deceased at the end of the exhibition.

The importance of the INTO LIGHT Project exhibit cannot be overstated. Overdose deaths are the #1 cause of accidental and preventable death in our country. There were more than 107,000 drug-related deaths in 2023 – that’s more than gun violence deaths and auto accidents from the same year combined. Roughly 49 million Americans are living with the disease of addiction. This staggering loss of life is rooted in misinformation, health inequities, and marginalization of those with substance use disorders (SUD) and extends to their families. It is critical to change the public perception around this brain disorder by dispelling deeply entrenched stereotypes, changing stigmatizing language, and stimulating discussion. Research has confirmed that museums and galleries, as trusted sources of information, are uniquely poised to do this.

In her foreword for the INTO LIGHT Project Catalog, Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health wrote:

“Science and art are not often thought of together in tandem, but the intersection of neuroscience to understand how the brain changes due to substance use and addiction and art to remind us of our shared humanity provides a powerful way to help alleviate deep-rooted stigma and inaccurate perceptions. While scientific evidence can build a case with evidence and data, the emotional connection experienced through art can be an even stronger argument for changed perceptions on addiction and overdose.”
Dr. Nora Volkow
Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health

The University of Texas at Austin - Steve Hicks School of Social Work, Austin, TX
September 22, 2025 - May 23, 2026
Opening Reception: September 26, 2025 - Time: TBD
Submissions Now Open Until May 31, 2025

Plymouth State University, Silver Center for the Arts, Plymouth, NH
August 25, 2025 - November 8, 2025
Opening Reception: September 6, 2025 - Time: 2PM - 4PM
Submissions Now Closed

Utah State University, Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art
August 20, 2025 - December 13, 2025
Opening Reception: TBD
Submissions Now Closed

Artists

A select group of artists throughout the country, identified for their ability to draw graphite portraiture in a classical style, help to carry out the work of the INTO LIGHT Project.

Artists from the state where the exhibits are held are our first priority.

Meet the Artists
Theresa Clower, Founder and Primary Artist
Theresa Clower, Founder and Primary Artist

Writers

A group of writers across the United States are selected for their interest in the project and their ability to write compelling stories about the lives of those in the exhibition.

Meet the Writers
National Writers Team from the INTO LIGHT Project

Sample Drawings and Narratives

Each Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories exhibition is unique because it is based on submissions from individuals in the state where the exhibition is held. Sample drawings and narratives from previous exhibitions are below.

Giovanni Delgado

Giovanni Delgado

Unconditionally loving, caring, funny, a true friend, unforgettable Shy, but perpetually smiling, Giovanni could make you laugh even if you didn’t know what was being laughed at. He had an innocence about him that made him always see the good side of everyone. He was forgiving, loving, and a true gentleman. Gio would wake each morning with a smile from ear to ear, open his arms and give his mom the longest hug–so long she would say, “I would like to stay like this forever, but you have to get ready for school.” [...]
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Jessica Duggan

Big-hearted, creative, complex, funny, animal lover Jessica was a loving person who was extremely dedicated to her family and friends. She left a lasting impression on everyone she loved and truly wanted the world to be a place of love and acceptance. Of all the people she loved, she had the most special bond with her brother James. They were known as “two peas in a pod” throughout their childhood, a closeness that never wavered throughout their lives. Jessica also loved her younger sister Samantha, whom she became closer to as they grew up. [...]
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Michael (MT) Taylor

Michael (MT) Taylor

Michael, known as “MT” or “MT-400” to his friends, was renowned for his athleticism and for being supportive of others both on and off the field. He received many athletic awards in three sports: football, basketball, and track. His coaches lauded him for his friendly attitude, strong work ethic, and for inspiring teammates and coaches alike. Known as the best defender in the Los Padres League, MT was confident, kind and the one to show up first when someone needed help.[...]
Read Bio

  • Availability

    • Booking for 2026 and beyond – one exhibit per state.
    • Exhibits have been held, or are in development in the following states: MD, NC, OH, PA, VA, FL, CA, DE, CO, AL, MA, OK, IA, UT, TX, NH, WI, VT
    • This is a long-range project, ending with a National Multimedia Exhibit with over 2000 portraits after all 50 states have held an exhibition.

Note:  After the original exhibition, there is an option to participate in our “Continuing the Conversation” program.

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Support The INTO LIGHT Project

"Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity."

- Pema Chödrön

Donations support the work of The INTO LIGHT Project to produce our exhibit, Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories. We bring awareness to substance use disorder (SUD) as a brain disease, help to change the conversation about drug addiction, and work to erase the stigma and shame associated with it.

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Corporate Address: 115 Churchman Lane,
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Mailing Address: PO Box 891,
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