Memorial sculpture unveiled at Calvert vigil

The annual Glow Vigil for International Overdose Awareness held in North Beach on Aug. 31 was highlighted this year by the unveiling of a stainless steel sculpture in honor and in memory of those who have been lost to overdose death.

"Big Hug" is the work of Thomas Sterner of Westminster, who was selected by a local committee for the project. The rendering was made possible through a Maryland State Arts Council grant. It is on display at Mark R. Frazer Sunrise Garden in North Beach.

"Art heals and provides hope," Sandy Mattingly, a speaker at the event, said. Mattingly, whose son died of a drug overdose, was one of the individuals whose participation made the project a reality.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event that aims to show overdose deaths are preventable and to reduce the stigma associated with drug-related death.