Art project humanizes people struggling with substance use

An art exhibit at the Charlotte Street Art Centre has made an impact around the city for how Fredericton residents see those struggling with substance use.

The “’I am Here’ – Postcards from the Edge” exhibition of photos, art and poetry features vivid portraits in oil and watercolour, along with poignant portrait photographs, capturing the humanity of the River Stone Recovery Centre participants.

Local photographer Kelly Baker did the photography and watercolour portraits while David Porter did the oil paintings.  “I am Here” poems accompany the portraits, giving memorable impressions of those involved. Postcards for distribution with portraits of the people involved, give a quiet nudge to people to be inclusive and understanding.

A St. Thomas University of Social Work class was present to witness the exhibit.

Lisa Anne Ross, Artistic Director of Solo Chicken Productions, hinted at a play that might be in the works based on the stories portrayed in the exhibits.

During the opening remarks, a couple of River Stone Recovery participants and peer workers, Elizabeth and Allen presented their poems, along with another peer worker, Steve. The take-away was strength and resilience met with struggle and vulnerability.

The River Stone Recovery Centre plays an important role in the city for its most vulnerable members.

Dr. Sara Davidson, the Centre’s Medical Director, said a few words at the exhibition’s opening.

For Dr. Davidson, “the River Stone Recovery Centre is important because we (the team) offer a number of different approaches to help people living with a substance use disorder, in an innovative clinic that provides rapid access to care with virtually no waiting list. A variety of different medical therapies are available for opiate and for stimulant use disorder provide options that meet people where they are at, including those at greatest risk of death from the toxic drug poisoning crisis.”

Dr. Davidson also highlights the centre’s wraparound supports and opportunities for people to belong, and harm reduction initiatives such as its injectable opiate agonist therapy program.

The exhibit will be ongoing until March 11 at the Charlotte Glencross Gallery at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre.

Najat Abdou-McFarland is a Fredericton-based writer on Wolastoqey territory.