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living in the color

Reframing Addiction

How has addiction affected you?  

Affected your community? Lets talk about...

Zumis

Zumi's Espresso

Topsfield & Ipswich

Sprite Graffiti.zip - 6.JPEG

iving in the Color is a community-based art exhibit, illustrating the raw, dark, multilayered reality of addiction and that recovery, and a life lived in the color, is possible. Millions of Americans struggle with the disease of addiction. Yet there continues to be a mainstream silence on these issues because of the stigma surrounding addiction.  Even those going through the recovery process keep silent due to fear and shame. Creating art is an opportunity to create conversation around a topic that touches nearly every individual, family, and community in some capacity.

Through the art of photography and personal narratives Living in the Color illuminates the faces impacted by addiction; shining a light of hope into the darkness to help break the stigma and reduce the shame around addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, food, and so many more behaviors.

Exhibit subjects include those recovering from varying addictions, those that have lost their life to the disease of addiction, family members, friends, first responders, community members, and others who have experienced the isolation and darkness from substance abuse. Recovery isn’t always a straight line, it can sometimes involve hindrances and hurdles, but the more conversations around addiction, the more we share our stories, and embrace different paths to recovery, the more people will find their way out of the darkness to living in the color.

 

The co-creators of Living in the Color believe it’s essential to change the perception and stigma around the disease of addiction. Stigma around addiction may come from antiquated and inaccurate ideas, or fear of things that are different or misunderstood. Today, we know that addiction is a chronic, treatable medical condition, and that recovery is possible. By reframing

addiction, through photography and personal narratives, a visual and emotional connection can be made with those affected, and honest, open, conversations can begin.

 

 

Living in the Color is our starting point – we hope you will join us.

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Exhibit Kickoff Reception with live music from Hannah

Exhibit Run Time – 

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Interested in, Living in the Color?

 

Anyone who has been affected by the disease of addiction is eligible to submit their photo and personal narrative. Whether you are the addict, a loved one of someone in addiction, a friend, medical professional who works in the field of addiction, educator, first responder, public official, child of an addict (must be 18 years old to submit without parental permission), we welcome your submission.

Personal Narrative:

We are NOT seeking an autobiography of your life. Your personal narrative is an honest reflection of how the disease of addiction affects/affected you and those around you. We are not asking for war stories; we do ask that you share details and emotions attached to your experience and how you gained hope and freedom in your recovery. Please aim to keep your personal narrative between 300-700 words.

 

*Remember, your personal narrative will be artistically displayed beside your photograph, only

share what you are comfortable sharing to a public audience

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If you are the one IN RECOVERY or SUFFERING FROM ADDICTION here are some tips and prompts that may help you as you begin to write your personal story:

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  • Consider why you’ve decided to tell your story. Is there an issue or situation you can address that would help others in similar circumstances?

  •  Convey a message that is important to you.

  •  Think carefully about which details you’re comfortable sharing.

  •  Were there early signs that you were struggling with addiction?

  •  Do you remember what your situation was like at its worst?

  •  Was there a person or circumstance that helped you realize you needed to break free?

  • What was the first step in moving from where you were to where you are now?

  • Who helped or supported you during your recovery journey? What did they do?

  • What are some of the things you had to overcome to get where you are?

  • Have you learned anything new about yourself now that you’re in the recovery process?

  •  What are some new strengths or skills you’ve developed?

  •  What helps keep you on the right track?

  •  Have your plans and hopes for the future changed now that you are in recovery?

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There are no wrong answers here, just follow your heart and share what's on your mind.

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(Reference www.gatewayfoundation.org )

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If you have LOVED, LOST OR LIVED with SOMEONE SUFFERING FROM ADDICTION here are some tips and prompts that may help you as you begin to write your personal story:

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  • Consider why you’ve decided to tell your story. Is there an issue or situation you can address that would help others in similar circumstances?

  •  Convey a message that is important to you.

  •  Think carefully about which details you’re comfortable sharing.

  •  Were there early signs that this person was struggling with addiction?

  •  Describe a situation that was hard for you to witness about your person?

  •  Describe one of the hardest parts about loving someone with an addiction.

  • Did you feel like you were able to help and/or support this person during their addiction/recovery journey?

  • Have you learned anything new about yourself since this person's addiction?

  •  What are some new strengths or skills you’ve developed?

  •  Describe a beautiful and/or happy moment you shared with this person as a child or as an adult.

  • Share some of the things this person loved to do and who they are/were.

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There are no wrong answers here, just follow your heart and share what's on your mind.

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(Reference www.gatewayfoundation.org )

**Note

Your personal narrative will be edited and may be shortened to meet exhibit requirements. No personal details will be changed.

Personal Narrative Disclaimer:

By checking the box below, you agree to the following:

This is a true story of my lived experience. It’s implied in the genre of personal narrative that the story is written through the eyes of the narrator, and small details of fact may be incorrect or conflated. To the best of my ability, I have re-created events, locales, people, and organizations from my memories of them. To maintain the anonymity of others, in some instances I have changed the names of individuals and places, and the details of events. This personal narrative was written by memory, and mine is imperfect. I’ve done my best to be faithful to my experiences, and when possible, have consulted others who were also present during that time.

The views expressed in this story are solely mine, and should not be construed as medical, legal, or professional advice on any subject matter. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any content included in this personal narrative without seeking legal, medical, or other professional advice

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Image Specifications / Size

Change Owner of Photo to Name of Person in Photo

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LIVING IN THE COLOR PHOTO DISCLAIMER:

The submitting individual states that they are either the creator of the image(s) or that copyright(s) have been granted to them in writing by a third-party photographer. I hereby grant the Living in the Color (LITC) permission to use my likeness in a photograph, or

other digital media (“photo”) in all art exhibits, marketing, and publications, including web-based publications and social media, without payment or other consideration. I understand and agree that all photos will become the property of the LITC and will not be returned.

I hereby irrevocably authorize the LITC to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute these photos for any lawful purpose. In addition, I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein my likeness appears. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the photo. I hereby hold harmless, release, and forever discharge the LITC from all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization.

 

I have read and understand the above photo release. I affirm that I am at least 18 years of age, or, if I am under 18 years of age, I have obtained the required consent of my parents/guardians as evidenced by their signatures below.

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Before you upload a photo, make sure that each photo falls in one of the four categories:

 

1) Own work: You own all rights to the image, usually meaning that you created it entirely yourself.

 

2) Licensed: You can prove that the copyright holder has released the image under an acceptable license. Note that photos are licensed for use only on certain "channels", or only for noncommercial or educational use, or under a license that doesn't allow for the creation of modified/derived works, are unsuitable. When in doubt, do not upload copyrighted images.

 

3) Public domain: You can prove that the image is in the public domain, i.e. free of all copyrights.

 

4) Fair use: You believe that the image meets the special conditions for non-free content, which exceptionally allow the use of unlicensed material, and you can provide an explicit non-free use rationale explaining why and how you intend to use it.Photo

 

Privacy Rights:When taking pictures of identifiable people, the subject's consent is not usually needed for straightforward photographs taken in a public place but is often needed for photographs taken in a private place. This type of consent is sometimes called a model release, and it is unrelated to the photographer's copyright. Because of the expectation of privacy, the consent of the subject should normally be sought before uploading any photograph featuring an identifiable individual that has been taken in a private place, whether the subject is named. Even in countries that have no law of privacy, there is a moral obligation on us not to upload photographs which infringe the subject's reasonable expectation of privacy. If you upload a self-portrait, your consent is presumed. Living in the Color will never sell, sublicense, or give your images to any third-party organization. If you choose to revoke your permission for LITC to use your Images, please submit the revocation in writing to: Living in the Color, Oak & Thyme P.O. Box 157 Boxford, MA 01921

 

A key challenge for the Tri-Town, and the country, is the widespread threat of fentanyl. This synthetic opioid is often detected in cocaine, methamphetamines, and other illegally sourced drugs. Fentanyl can kill people who have no idea they are at risk for an overdose death. The need for awareness and education aligns with the Tri-Town’s Opioid Settlement Fund goals, and our three towns, Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield presented as the ideal partners to being a catalyst for change. Outreach campaigns will be ineffective unless people feel comfortable discussing drug use, addiction, and its impact on individuals, families, and the greater community.

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