MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. — The INTO LIGHT exhibit, a moving tribute to those lost to drug overdose, is on display in the Atrium of Mobile Government Plaza from May 5 to 30, 2025. Featuring hand-drawn portraits and personal stories, the exhibit humanizes the opioid crisis and honors some of the lives behind the statistics.

The exhibit is free and open to the public between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Monday through Friday.

Media and the public are invited to an exhibit-opening ceremony hosted by District 3 Commissioner Randall Dueitt on Tuesday, May 6 at 11 a.m. in the Atrium of Mobile Government Plaza.

The INTO LIGHT exhibit shines a spotlight on the staggering loss of life caused by substance use disorders; a crisis fueled by misinformation, health inequities, and stigma. Nearly 100,000 people die each year from opioid overdoses, which is about the same number of deaths from gun violence and car crashes combined.

“I felt it was important to bring this exhibit to Government Plaza so more people can see the human cost of this epidemic. I hope having the INTO LIGHT exhibit at Mobile Government Plaza sparks awareness, compassion, and a greater sense of urgency around prevention, recovery, and opioid abatement. The exhibit is powerful, emotional, and it will change the way you think about the opioid crisis,” said District 3 Mobile County Commissioner Randall Dueitt.  

Created by artist Theresa Crower after the loss of her son Devin, INTO LIGHT: Illuminating Loss Due to Drug Overdose aims to reduce stigma and foster understanding. Each portrait, drawn in graphite and accompanied by a narrative written with the individual’s family, reflects love, loss, and legacy. Once each exhibit concludes, the families get to keep the hand-drawn portrait of their loved one.

“This exhibit gives families a way to share who their loved ones truly were, and it gives others a glimpse into the beauty of their lives,” said Lori Myles, whose son Harrison is among those memorialized. “Every time I look at his portrait, the way the artist captured his smile takes my breath away. Harrison lit up every room he entered.”

“When I saw the INTO LIGHT exhibit, I was deeply moved. Each portrait tells the story of an Alabamian lost to the opioid crisis. These are real stories of real people with families, dreams, and futures,” said Commissioner Randall Dueitt. “One of those memorialized in this exhibit is someone I watched grow up, and I’m grateful to his mother, Lori, for bravely sharing his story.”

To learn more about the INTO LIGHT Project, visit intolightproject.org.

ABOUT MOBILE COUNTY COMMISSION:
Commissioners: President Merceria Ludgood (District 1), Connie Hudson (District 2), and Randall Dueitt (District 3). As the governing body for Mobile County, Alabama, the Commission is responsible for budget and infrastructure decision-making that enhances quality of life and makes Mobile County a great place to live, work, play, and visit. Mobile County Commission maintains almost 1,400 miles of roads, 160 bridges, 100 buildings, and multiple parks, and provides funding for all County operations, including the Sheriff’s Department, Metro Jail, License Commissioner, Revenue Commissioner, and Probate Judge. The Commission is integral to economic development within the region and is committed to increasing public access to water through its Parks Initiative.