September is National Recovery Month, and its purpose is to raise awareness and celebrate the successes of people in recovery from mental health and/or substance use disorders. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is recognizing National Recovery Month by hosting Addiction: Sabotage, Sobriety, Surrender, at the Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., which is a compelling exhibition featuring the vibrantly striking works of artist and author of Art & Addiction Ben Peabody. The display will run September 1-30.
A native of Baton Rouge, Ben Peabody attended Louisiana Tech University, where he received a B.A. in Art Education. Later studies include a M.A. in Instructional Media from Southern University and additional work on a M.F.A. at Louisiana State University. Influenced by his love of the water and its mysteries and by Mexican artists Diego Rivera and Guadalupe Posada, Peabody’s work fuses figurative and expressive art with geometric, abstract art. His series, Art & Addiction, is based on personal experiences, research and stories of persons in recovery. Stories are interpreted through the symbolic use of objects, words and colors reflecting his imagination. This body of work was created over a 19-year period. Peabody has been a full-time artist since 2001 showing in group and solo shows in Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and New Mexico.
There also will be a FREE special program led by Peabody at the Main Library at Goodwood at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 16, that will feature two of the subjects of his art, as they speak about their experiences in overcoming addiction. Presenter Cory W. will discuss Higher Power, and Fred B. will talk about Shake N’ Bake. Enjoy funky blues and swamp pop tunes before the program begins by D.B. Cooper.
East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner Dr. William “Beau” Clark will share insights on the effects of addiction and the staggering statistics that reflect the toll it takes on life and longevity. Representatives from various community addiction resource groups and organizations also will be available at the program. A book signing will follow the program. Signed copies of the author’s book will be available for purchase at the event.
Additional resources and more detailed listings are available in the Mental Health & Substance Use Recovery Resources InfoGuide. Please note that inclusion of a resource in the InfoGuide or printed materials should not be considered an endorsement or medical advice.
For more information, about the Art & Addiction exhibit and special program, call (225) 231-3750. To learn more about National Recovery Month, please visit their website.