NORTON, Mass. (WPRI) — Mikey was a “born hockey player” and spoke several languages fluently. Nathan wanted to be a social worker to help those with depression and substance use disorder. Richie was a gifted mechanic who adored his two daughters.

All three died as a result of their struggles with drug addiction.

Mikey, Nathan and Richie are just three of the 41 people profiled in Massachusetts’ “Into Light” installation, on display at Wheaton College’s Beard & Weil Galleries from Aug. 27 to Nov. 8.

Each graphite portrait and brief narrative in the exhibition, entitled “Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories Massachusetts,” represents another 65 people who died of drug overdoses in The Bay State in 2023, the description explains.

“Into Light” creator Theresa Clower was inspired to create the project when she lost her son to an accidental overdose in 2018, according to the project’s website. It focuses on ending the stigma against drug addiction through empathy.

S ee more photos from “Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories Massachusetts” below. The installation will be in place at the Beard & Weil Galleries until Nov. 8. Visit the Galleries’ website for hours and more information .

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