We had the good fortune of connecting with Theresa Clower and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Theresa, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
INTO LIGHT Project (ILP) is a non-profit, national organization that aims to change the conversation about drug addiction. I founded it shortly after loosing my son, Devin, to an accidental overdose / poisoning of fentanyl. Devin was 32 years young at the time of his death. His life inspired ILP and his energy continues to fuel it.

As a way of working through my grief I began drawing Devin’s face. The reference I used was a photograph taken about 5 hours before he died. That first portrait inspired me to draw portraits and write the story of others who died from drug a diction ILP aims to bring public exhibitions in every state in the country of 41 people from that state. The exhibitions act as catalysts for educational programming and conversations about drug, prevention, resources, etc. Colorado is the 9th state to host an exhibit,

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have a mixed background of non-profit management and artistic endeavors. I spent close to 40 years establishing and running non-profit organizations on the local, state, and national levels. This experience melded well with the creation of ILP. I have always been attracted to change. In fact, I thrive on change. One of my greatest strengths has been the ability to see the potential for something and then breakdown the steps necessary to achieve that change. I am also a strong conceptual salesperson.

ILP became a successful national organization because I have been able to combine my experience establishing non-profits to the formation of it. I also believe strongly that we have to erase the stigma and shame association with addiction. This believe has motivated me to set in motion a project that addresses addiction from the human side.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I live in a mountain community outside of Asheville, NC, I likely would spend time with my guests in the mountains hiking. If THEY wanted to visit Asheville, I would take them to Asheville Salt Cave for a 45 min experience of Himalayan salt, then on to White Taco for the best ever tacos while we sit on the river, and then top it off in the River Arts District exploring galleries and artist’s studios.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this to by son, Devin Bearden, for his amazing energy, creativity, and support in this project. Devin’s death inspired ILP and his energy fuels it.

Website: http://www.intolightproject.org

Instagram: into light project

Facebook: into light project

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