Into Light features 10 hand-drawn portraits of Berkshire residents who were lost to substance use disorder (SUD), along with additional drawings of many others from across the state who also succumbed to SUD.  

“Bringing this installation front and center – right on Main Street and so close to MASS MoCA – places this crucial conversation at the heart of our community,” said Richard Alcombright, a former North Adams Mayor and the Chair of the BHS Board of Trustees. “This is about showing support not only for families and friends who have suffered a loss, but also for everyone who is experiencing a loved one struggling with substance use.” 

The exhibit is also one block east of the North Adams location of Berkshire Harm Reduction, a BHS program that is dedicated to reducing the negative consequences associated with substance use. Harm Reduction provides free sterile supplies, fentanyl test strips, and Narcan, along with testing (individuals 13 and over) for HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted infections as well as basic wound care and abscess prevention. 

Berkshire Harm Reductions aims to mitigate health complications from substance use by providing comprehensive services to people with SUD, and does so across the county, working with those impacted through in-person counseling in their two offices along with mobile outreach.  

For Elizabeth Piantoni, a BHS Wellness Program Coordinator, Into Light and the work being done by Harm Reduction hits very close to home. She lost her half-brother, David Taylor, to SUD, who passed in 2021 at the age of 27. She said Into Light captures the true likeness of David. “What I love about the picture is that it portrays more of the real David. The one who is bright and smiling and happy and full of life, that sparkle in his eyes. His kind of true soul. Who he really is.” 

The exhibit is free and is located inside Hotel Downstreet until June 30, at the corner of Main Street across from North Adams City Hall.