Into Light Project

This exhibition is part of an ongoing nationwide series called Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories, conceived and organized by the nonprofit INTO LIGHT Project. The Project was founded in 2018 by Theresa Clower after she lost her son, Devin, to fentanyl poisoning. In an attempt to manage her pain, anger, and sadness, Clower began making portraits of Devin. The first time she did so—studying photographs and memorizing every part of his face—each pencil mark felt like a visit with Devin. Pouring her heart and soul into the drawing helped Clower process the absence of her son.

After completing Devin’s portrait, Clower felt compelled to continue drawing. In time, she was inspired to draw others who lived and died like her son, and to use her art to encourage dialogue about the disease of addiction. Thus, the INTO LIGHT Project was born. As it has grown, a team of artists and writers has begun to support and contribute to the work, and efforts are now underway to mount an exhibition in each of the 50 states.

Through exhibitions like this one, the INTO LIGHT Project seeks to address the unnecessary stigma and shame experienced by those struggling with substance use disorder. Each graphite portrait is accompanied by a written narrative based on interviews with surviving loved ones. Together, the portraits and narratives aim to depict the individual as the full, multi-dimensional person they were. The black-and-white medium serves as an intentional metaphor: Every life includes both light and dark moments. Focusing only on the dark misses at least half the picture.

We hope that after viewing this exhibition you will feel encouraged to advocate for the dignity of people who become addicted to drugs and for their right to judgment-free medical treatment. We hope you will help erase the stigma around drug addiction, overdose, and poisoning, and that you will make personal decisions that keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy.

— INTO LIGHT Project

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE

This exhibit is located in the Ticket Gallery, which requires visitors to ascend five shallow steps with a railing. A virtual tour is available below. 

 

RELATED EVENTS

July 11, Saturday, 5 p.m. — Opening of New Exhibits
August 13, Thursday, 7:30 p.m. — Panel Discussion: Into Light Project

RELATED RESOURCES