On exhibition March 5 – April 15, 2022

Presented in partnership with the Orange County Drug-Free Coalition and the national nonprofit INTO LIGHT Project, this powerful special exhibition presents original portraits of people in Central Florida who have died from drug addiction – the only public exhibition of its kind in Florida. The exhibition seeks to raise awareness, help erase the stigma of Substance Use Disorder, and provide a space of healing for those impacted by addiction.

The exhibit will feature 41 hand-drawn portraits by Theresa Clower, founder of INTO LIGHT Project, featuring people from across the state of Florida who have died due to Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The portraits are accompanied by stories from loved ones, signifying their lives were not defined by their addictions.

“Co-sponsoring this inspiring exhibition is part of Orange County Government’s ongoing efforts to address the opioid epidemic. Helping reduce the shame and stigma associated with substance use shows Mayor Demings’ commitment to prevention, treatment, and recovery from Substance Use Disorders in Orange County,” says Dr. Thomas Hall, director of the Orange County Drug-Free Coalition.

With INTO LIGHT Project’s goal to organize exhibitions in each of the 50 states, Florida is the national nonprofit’s sixth exhibition to contribute to the project. SUD is an issue our Central Florida community has been working through for decades, and the exhibition will help foster conversations, understanding, and healing.