As Toronto’s overdose deaths continue to rise, there are countless others left behind to cope with the grief of a loved one’s passing. In response to this, Lakeshore Arts–in collaboration with Community Health Centre’s Harm Reduction program–is launching Remembering You, a project that showcases poetry and art created by South Etobicoke community members who have lost loved ones to overdose, violence and complications from street life.

The works to be exhibited were developed during weekly drop-in art creation sessions for community members. “Art is such a powerful channel for all the complicated emotions that come up for people around grief and loss,” says Marissa Martins, a Harm Reduction Educator at LAMP. “The art is about anger, sadness, pain and love. It’s been cathartic.” The project has also created space for a larger conversation about overdose prevention and trauma.

Remembering You will be displayed at Lakeshore Arts ( (2422 Lakeshore Blvd. W) April 5th-25th. An opening night reception on April 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. will include refreshments and speakers from the project.