Art exhibit sheds light on struggles with addiction

“I sat down with people and they told me their stories. Then I gave them cameras, and they took photos and then we met again and we went through things and over that process created pieces that really get in and tell the details of their lives that we felt would have the most impact.”

The exhibition attempts to start the conversation about the stigma that continues to exist around addictions. The 67 photographs give voice to those living with substance use issues, and organizers say those voices help balance out a mostly negative narrative.

“Stigma continues to be a huge issue that gets in the way of us providing services that we need for people who struggle with substance use issues,” says Jessica Mensinger of the Addiction Matters Kamloops Coalition. “I hear lots of stories on a regular basis, but seeing them in this way is really different for me, so I’m really excited to show them tonight.”

by Jill Sperling

Art exhibit sheds light on struggles with addiction

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