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The Hurt And The Healing: An Artistic Investigation Into The Stigma Surrounding Substance Use Disorder, Kenny Kelley

Undergraduate Theses

This interdisciplinary, creative thesis aims to deconstruct the stigma directed towards individuals who struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) through the use of a solo art exhibit on Bellarmine University's campus. This exhibit features two large-scale installation sculptures and curated art pieces created by individuals at Crossroads Recovery Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to the gallery exhibition, this research-based written reflection is also included. One of the sculptures portrays the “hurt” that stigma causes for those who struggle with SUD. In contrast, the second sculpture represents the “healing” that can be achieved for people struggling with SUD when stigma …