Since 2014, the Nave Gallery, in partnership with the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, has presented a “Social Justice Art” show in the fall, to highlight a societal concern through the arts, to raise awareness and engage in conversation. This year, the Nave Gallery is pleased to host The Opioid Project to tell the stories of those affected and afflicted by addiction. The Gallery feels strongly that these stories need to be seen and heard.

Started as a collaboration in 2016 between Dr. Annie Brewster, Executive Director and Founder of Health Story Collaborative, and artist Nancy Marks, The Opioid Project: Changing Perceptions through Art and Storytelling is a creative response to the opioid epidemic. Using art and audio storytelling as its foundation, the project engages those touched by the opioid epidemic and substance use disorder – including active users, people in recovery, first responders, and individuals grieving the death of a loved one to overdose – with the goals of decreasing stigma, increasing public awareness, enhancing community dialogue, and supporting advocacy efforts.

In her book The Healing Power of Storytelling, Dr. Brewster uses personal narrative, science-based research and concrete guidance to show patients, families and care providers how to craft and share their own stories in order to heal and move forward. The book offers extensive case studies from Brewster’s years of experience as a doctor working with patients, families and other care providers. Stories include people coping with terminal diagnosis; families grappling with grief, loss and trauma; individuals, families and health practitioners impacted by the opiate crisis; mental health diagnosis; and more. Also included are “takeaways” at the conclusion of each chapter and practical exercises and prompts incorporated throughout the book.

The exhibit will run October 1 through November 14, and the gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. (closed on October 8). There will be an opening reception on October 1, 3:00–5:00, featuring a curator’s talk and book signing at 4:00 p.m., with an opportunity to discuss the Opioid Project and Dr. Brewster’s newly published book, The Healing Power of Storytelling.

Free and open to all. Nave Gallery, Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, 155 Powderhouse Blvd., Somerville, MA 02144. For more information: navegallery.org, info@navegallery.org, (617) 625-4823.