Billings meth project painting offers hope and inspiration

Montana – The Montana Meth Project’s Paint is a motivational art project. The State Contest is back in action.

A digital competition was held in 2016, and the first one took place in 2010.

The painting by Tara Williamson and her fellow artists was unveiled on Wednesday at First Congregational Church.

It can be displayed anywhere because it is on a canvas that can be moved.

The picture depicts what drug usage looks like, how the legal system can be helpful, and finally, the healing process.

Williamson collaborated with a group of individuals who had gone through drug court and were now sober.

Together, they created a painting with a message of inspiration and optimism.

Because I have been in recovery, this one “like really spoke to me personally and professionally,” Williamson said. “In September, it will be 24 years.”

Williamson is making progress in his alcohol addiction recovery.

She is employed by Support and Techniques for Empowering People (STEP), a group with five rehab facilities that aid in the recovery of addicts.

The SOAR court, which helps with substance misuse, must have been used by the group working with her on the artwork.

The collaborative effort and the painting aid in everyone’s healing.

Williamson added, “We do not do this in isolation. “We work as a team. And because we worked together to create it, this mural serves as a symbol of that. Consequently, our group is constructing this jointly.

Seneca White, who worked on the mural, said of the group, “This group is amazing because they see the potential that you can push through and that you are worth something even though you do not see it.”

White has nearly completely abstained from meth.

After 13 years of drug recovery, she is now making progress toward regaining custody of her four children.

White remarked, “I have found that in rehabilitation you have to let go of the lies and be absolutely honest. To even forgive oneself and move on, “you have to let go of the shame you have, to let go of the guilt.”

According to Shelley Thomson, the administrator for SOAR’s felony court, “That is the message that you can recover from meth addiction.”

Williamson and Thompson collaborated on the project and helped bring the parties together.

Williamson remarked that “these are people who are just beginning their journey.” It is very incredible why they create art. They are listening to Tara’s inspiring and moving story.

The best part is that each and every one of them exemplifies the theme of their picture in real life.

Because they are in recovery, “people can resume amazing lives and do amazing things in their communities,” Williamson added.

Because she shared her background with us, White stated, “Tara is a big inspiration for me because I feel like I can overcome a lot of the things that were holding me back.”

The artwork must be submitted by June 23 and will be on display until June 30.