Countering tragedy with light
Into Light Project exhibition examines tragic human cost of substance abuse disorder
U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) visited the Wheaton campus in October for a tour of the “Into Light Project” exhibition at Beard and Weil Galleries.
The exhibition, “Drug Addiction: Real People. Real Stories,” which was on display from Aug. 27 through Nov. 8, highlighted the human cost that substance use disorder has exacted on communities throughout Massachusetts and the nation. It drew hundreds of visitors to the galleries, including Rep. Auchincloss.
The congressman and Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian met with President Michaele Whelan and galleries director Elizabeth Hoy to view the exhibition. The Congressman talked about the impact of the exhibition and the tragedy it highlights with the Attleboro Sun Chronicle; Sheriff Koutoujian shared a video of their tour on social media.
The elected officials’ visit culminated two months of public engagement with the exhibition, which was also highlighted by WPRI TV 12 in Providence, among others.
Wheaton students from a range of academic courses—psychology, public health, art history, visual arts, anthropology, nursing, medical humanities, and criminal justice—visited and discussed the exhibition, fostering interdisciplinary learning and discussion on the themes explored through the show.
Jarrett J. Krosoczka, the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of Hey, Kiddo, a National Book Award Finalist, visited campus as well. The graphic memoir tells the story of growing up in a family grappling with addiction and of finding healing through art. The artist gave a public talk about his book and led a comic drawing workshop for about 70 Wheaton students in visual art, English, and design courses.
Many more visitors came from local communities, including first responders, civic leaders, local elected officials, participants from a local recovery center and members of a peer grief support program.
“We’ve had high school students and their teachers, as well as public school staff and administrators, attend to gain a deeper understanding of the issues presented, destigmatizing substance use disorder and mental health issues,” Hoy said. “I was thrilled to see that the group of students who came yesterday all took buttons from our ‘ask me about’ button campaign to continue the conversation.”
In addition, the gallery hosted a Harm Reduction and Narcan training workshop that drew more than 200 attendees, through partnership with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office, the nonprofit Support After Death by Overdose (SADOD) and the student theme residence Tulip House. “We empowered participants with practical tools to save lives and approach one another with radical love and acceptance,” Hoy said.