This Dayton park will be painted with poppies, lilies and roses in support of opioid addicts

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

A Dayton artist it taking on the stigma of heroin addiction with flowers.

"It is just a shame that we hide and suffer," Tiffany Clark, herself a recovering opioid addict, said in discussing her plans to add flowers to a neglected pool and shelter at Nordale Park in Dayton's Belmont neighborhood. "I want to make beauty out of the ugly."

>> Dayton woman says art helped me recover from heroin addiction

>> Guide to the Belmont neighborhood

Clark's company The Mural Machine and the Belmont Eastmont Hearthstone Community Council are teaming up for a Mural Painting Party in the Park 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13 at the park, 63-199 Nordale Ave.

When the project is completed, she said the pool and entire shelter will be covered in flowers from top to bottom.

>> Mural project draws South Park neighborhood together in Dayton

The  family-friendly event will also include vendors, disc golf and other sports and raffles.

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Proceeds raised will pay for the  mural and the neighborhood’s future community garden in the park.

Clark said the mural project will be about $2,000 mostly due to the cost of paint supplies.

The community council has already secured about half of that money, Clark said.

Zombie Dogz and The Drunken Waffle food trucks will serve food.

>> Here's why the food at Zombie Dogz is making people lose their BRAINS 

Artisans and other vendors are also being sought. Click here for more information.

HOW TO SUPPORT OR REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONE 

Family members and friends are asked to submit flower suggestions for loved ones battling opioid addiction on the event's Facebook page or by messaging the The Mural Machine.

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

County coroners and local officials reported in May that overdose death rates driven by heroin and fentanyl are running ahead of 2016 record-breaking rates.

>> 5 alarming signs even more will die from overdoses this year 

Clark will draw the flowers and she and volunteers at the party will help paint them. Names can be added to the flowers.

"I want to make a garden for those people who are pushing to succeed or those who have fallen," Clark said. "I want to change my neighborhood and connect people together. I want there to be less shame."

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Clark, whose unique poppy drawings are on two other murals in the city, has already added a daisy to the shelter’s wall for a family member who she says is struggling with addiction.

>> Story behind the Dayton mural on Keowee Street

Lilies, irises and a purple rose in the name of those struggling have already been submitted.

About the Author