Exhibition Spotlight
Pentacrest Museums interviewed Into Light founder Theresa Clower and writer Barbara Francois about the exhibition.
The Into Light Project is a national non-profit that creates public exhibitions of original portraits and individual stories of people who have died from the disease of drug addiction in locations around the country. Their mission is to change the conversation about drug addiction through the power of original art and story.
Into Light recognizes the powerful influence of museums and galleries to host thought provoking conversation through art. The project selects one public academic museum or gallery in each state based on their ability to engage the community by building meaningful educational programming around the exhibit that addresses issues about the disease of addiction. The Old Capitol Museum was chosen as the exhibit site in Iowa in 2025.
Old Capitol Museum exhibit
Hanson Humanities Gallery, Spring 2025
Iowa stories
The full collection of stories are available here
In The Daily Iowan
"The Into Light Project sparks conversation about substance use disorder across Iowa"
Talk of Iowa
'Into Light' exhibit elevates the stories of Iowans lost to drug addiction
Into Light Legacy Songwriting Project
Music therapy students create legacy songs inspired by stories of individuals who have died from substance use disorder. Using narratives and portraits from the national Into Light Project, they compose original songs, create recordings, and reflect on their creative and clinical learning process. This project supports the development of music therapy skills, including songwriting, empathy, reflection, and working with adults and families in mental health and bereavement settings.