April Gilliam

April will conduct weekly art sessions with the residents and alumni of Morris Home, a Philadelphia trans and gender non-conforming drug and alcohol treatment community, as well as with other LGBT individuals in recovery. As a trans woman of color, April has seen how violence, transphobia, and racism have impacted her community, especially in how they relate to substance abuse. Using found materials and mixed mediums to create art pieces that represent people’s history with addiction, these sessions will provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to talk about their experiences as well as their focus on future recovery. April’s project will come together in a gallery opening, highlighting the stories of these strong and resilient individuals and raising awareness in the larger community.