Photography Exhibit in Fort Thomas Will Raise Addiction Awareness

Fort Thomas residents Holly and Eric Specht who lost their son, Nicholas, are included in the exhibit. Photo: Gabi Deaton

On Friday, May 3, Art Around the Park in partnership with NKY Hates Heroin will be hosting a gallery viewing, the Black Balloon Project, featuring  photography by local photographer and NKU student, Gabi Deaton from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The photos depict families who have been affected by the opioid crisis.

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All donations and 20% of gallery art sales will go to NKY Hates Heroin.

Art Around the Park is located at 1051 S. Ft. Thomas Avenue in the Midway District

Black Balloon Overdose Awareness Day, March 6, is a national and international event, and Deaton started this project last year.

"I, myself, have been sober for a little bit over eight years. In the last eight years, I have found out who I am and who I want to be, said Deaton.

Loved ones holding black balloons are the faces of those affected by addiction. Photo: Gabi Deaton

I realized I wanted to be a social worker and assist in making a change in the world. And, I also found that I had a love for photography and art. This project was a way for me to combine my love for photography and advocacy for social change. Unfortunately, families are being destroyed by this epidemic. I believe the first step toward change is awareness."

Art in the Park owner Snezana Tenhundfeld added, "When we first opened the gallery a year ago, we made a commitment to this community to give back what was once so freely given to us. To be able to showcase this amazing project will not only humanize the faces of addiction but also help to ensure that their stories continue to live on."

Center Table Catering will be providing snacks, and raffles will be held. Come out to support a great cause and share your stories Friday, May 3 at Art in the Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.