A new art initiative in Vernon is hoping to give a new perspective on the toxic drug crisis.
The exhibit titled Expressions from the Front Lines: A Journey through the Toxic Drug Crisis brings together a collection of heartfelt artistic expressions from community members with lived and living experience of substance use in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, 2025.
香蕉视频直播淭his exhibition grew from the vision of peer volunteers at Interior Health香蕉视频直播檚 Vernon Downtown Mental Health and Substance Use Clinic that individuals with lived and living experience of substance could use art as a way to bring our community together for International Overdose Awareness Day,香蕉视频直播� said IH peer coordinator, Keri Locheed.
The exhibit focuses on connection, healing, and remembrance, with the aim of elevating the voices and highlighting the creativity of people with lived and living experience.
香蕉视频直播淚 want the exhibit to show the value and the talent of people in our community who use drugs,香蕉视频直播� said Cheryl Jackson, an IH peer volunteer in Vernon. 香蕉视频直播淲e want to destigmatize substance use and also honour those people who have become victims of the toxic drug crisis.香蕉视频直播�
In partnership with the Vernon Community Arts Centre, IH hosted a series of free workshops and in-house art nights where community members had access to high-quality art supplies and supportive spaces to create their art. Additional supplies were made available at the clinic to ensure everyone who wanted could participate. The result is a deeply collaborative, community-rooted expression of loss, resilience, and hope.
This project was made possible by grants from the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation and Harm Reduction Action Team, funding from the regional Peer Inclusion Team and support from the Vernon Arts Centre and Nadine's Fine Art and Frames.
香蕉视频直播淭his exhibition is more than a collection of artwork. It香蕉视频直播檚 a community-led act of remembrance, resilience, and education,香蕉视频直播� said Locheed.
Through this initiative, peer volunteers and community artists aim to uplift the voices of people with lived and living experience, challenge the stigma that exists around substance use, and honour those lost to the toxic drug crisis.
Front Lines: A Journey through the Toxic Drug Crisis is on display at Gallery Vertigo in downtown Vernon now until Aug. 28.
Visit to learn more about IH香蕉视频直播檚 Substance Use Peer Engagement and Inclusion program and for details on becoming a peer volunteer.
