Since its debut in 2006 at The Institute for Community Research (ICR) in Hartford, the exhibit “Rollin’ and Dustin’: Pathways to Urban Lifestyles” has been displayed at Connecticut’s Latino Expo, at Trinity College’s International Hip-Hop Festival, and at international conferences around the country. Now, the 7-foot panels displaying research findings on youth drug use through comic art are on display at the Windham Arts Center at 866 Main Street in Willimantic, CT. The panels will be on display through May 11; visiting hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 12 pm to 5 pm. A reception for the exhibit will be held at the Windham Arts Center on Sunday, April 29, 2007 from 1 pm to 3 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

“Rollin’ and Dustin’” presents findings from two federally funded 5-year research projects that tell the stories of young people in Hartford from 1998-2005. The panels depict the impact drugs have when they are introduced to families and communities, particularly focusing on ecstasy and dust. “The closing event will be a good opportunity for the public to view the panels, and to interact with ICR researchers and artists about the findings they present,” says ICR Artistic Director Colleen Coleman. Coleman, who will attend the reception, worked with researchers and artists from ICR and the Hartford Animation Institute to display almost 10 years of research findings on teen drug use in a comic style. “The panels are designed to be accessible and appealing to many different audiences,” she says.

While it focuses on Hartford youth, community members anticipate that “Rollin’ and Dustin’” will also resonate in Windham. “It is particularly interesting to see how drugs get introduced into a community,” says Mary Oliver, Exhibit Coordinator at the Windham Arts Center. “Willimantic is generally perceived in a negative light when it comes to drug use, and we are hoping this exhibit can raise positive awareness of active change in our community.” Oliver has been organizing health and arts classes in the area to view the exhibit. For more information, please call the Windham Arts Center at (860) 450-1794.