Drug and alcohol addiction represents a serious disease that affects millions of Americans and their families. This Friday an exhibit (“Hello, My Name Is…”), which captures the determined spirit of those who are in recovery, will open at Center for Faith & the Arts.

Through his intimate portraits and accompanying descriptions, North Carolina artist Douglas Lail tells the powerful story of people who are living in recovery. Recovery represents the power and perseverance of the human spirit. All in their own ways, Mr. Lail’s subjects are a testimony to the good that can emerge from darkness.

Though it should be celebrated as an incredible individual victory, just as we celebrate “beating cancer,” unfortunately recovery is often accompanied by social stigma. This beautiful, artistic rendering of the faces of recovery is a brave and powerful move towards eliminating that stigma and celebrating the strength of humanity.

I urge all to attend. The opening is this Friday, at 6 p.m., 207 W Harrison St.

— Dylan Ellerbee

Salisbury