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Currier Museum to Help Combat Drug Crisis Through Art

Paige Sutherland/NHPR
Patty Perkins-Wiley will be one of the parent mentors for the program. She wants to stress art skills aren't needed.

The Currier Museum in Manchester is launching a first-of-its-kind arts program to help parents whose children suffer from substance abuse.

The idea is for parents to come together and share their experiences in an open, comforting space - surrounded by beautiful works of art.

Patty Perkins-Wiley of Manchester has a son in long-term recovery and she'll be one of the program’s parent mentors. She said the program will also get parents making art to help facilitate reflection and self-expression.

“You don’t have to have any kind of talent to do this – this is about finding a place where you can find some peace and there are people here that understand what you are going through,” Perkins-Wiley said.

David Mara, the state’s drug czar, was also at Tuesday's launch. He said these type of supports are crucial during this crisis. 

“This is how we are going to be able to successfully get through this epidemic and combat it – is when we have organizations like the Currier Art Gallery are taking it upon themselves, partnering with different entities, to try to do their share,” Mara said.

“The Art of Hope" initiative was created in partnership with Drug-Free Kids. It's free and open to all starting Feb. 5.

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