Bitter Pill: an art exhibit of prescription drug abuse

Purpose of Exhibition

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the District of Montana U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Montana Attorney General’s Office Resolve Montana initiative  to present Bitter Pill: Montana Lives Affected by Rx Abuse, an art exhibition that aims to express the human side of prescription drug abuse and recovery. 

Artwork can be an effective and unique medium to bring the conversation about prescription drug abuse and the toll it exacts on our families, friends, and neighbors to a broad audience. The Bitter Pill exhibition showcases works from more than 30 amateur and professional artists from across Montana whose pieces examine the state’s prescription drug abuse epidemic.

Through their art and accompanying statements, the artists present the pain and struggles that prescription drug abuse can create.  Some artists explore issues such as personal loss, lies told to mask ugly truths, and the effect prescription drug abuse has on the people around the abusers. 

Others explore the ability of support networks to provide help without judgment, the blessing of second chances, the ability to break the cycle of prescription drug abuse, and the healing of wounds on the path toward recovery. The Bitter Pill art showcase provides the opportunity for positive community discussion that not only reflects on the effects of prescription medication abuse within the community, but does so from the perspectives of those struggling with the effects most.

Billings – Billings Public Library
510 N. Broadway, Billings, MT
May 6 – 14

• May 6, 1 p.m.
  Panel Discussion – This open forum is designed to create a conversation with representatives from law enforcement and addiction treatment centers.  Panelists will respond to questions posed by a moderator.  The audience is also invited to pose questions to the panelists and to provide their own comments/stories regarding prescription drug addiction, abuse and recovery.
• May 6, 4 p.m.
  Opening Reception – Light refreshments will be served and Montana Attorney General Tim Fox will award one artist with the $500 Grand Prize.  Other artists will be recognized as well for outstanding 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional pieces
• May 11, 12 p.m.
  Lunch ‘n’ Learn – Rick Gale, Gallatin County Drug & Alcohol Services Prevention Specialist will host this Lunch ‘n Learn focused on drug demand reduction and prescription drug abuse prevention efforts throughout Montana.

Helena – Montana State Capitol Rotunda
1301 E 6th Avenue, Helena, MT
June 6 – 10

Helena – Staggering Ox
400 Euclid Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
June 13 – 25

Helena – Joseph P. Mazurek Justice Building
215 N. Sanders, Helena, MT 59601
June 27 – July 6

Missoula – Zootown Arts Community Center
235 North 1st Street West, Missoula, MT
July 8 – August 8

• July 8, 5:30 pm
  Opening Reception

Conrad – Conrad Public Library and Folklore Coffee
Library – 15 4th Avenue SW, Conrad, MT 59425
Folklore Coffee – 322 S. Main Street, Conrad, MT 59425
September 16 – 24

Check back for information about additional showings as they are added.

Want to bring the Bitter Pill Art exhibition to your community?  Email kkelly@mt.gov

Watch the video of Resolve Montana here: