Art and design students collaborated to host Art Against Overdose, an art pop-up shop that raised money for LSU End Overdose.

LSU End Overdose is a non-profit organization that aims to prevent drug-related overdoses through education and resource distribution. Various items created by LSU students such as prints, stickers and posters were sold at the event. The event even featured an artist giving henna tattoos and snacks available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds from this event being donated to End Overdose LSU.

There were an estimated 1,400 opioid related deaths in Louisiana in 2021, and nearly 40% of overdose deaths could have been prevented if someone that was present knew how and when to intervene.

Organizations such as LSU End Overdose raise awareness about this ongoing crisis through sharing vital information about what to do in emergency situations and hosting overdose training for local bars and businesses. LSU End Overdose distributed free Narcan with every purchase at the pop-up shop in hopes of providing students with the tools to help in the event they are present during an overdose.

Art Against Overdose also allowed LSU art students to showcase their current work while supporting a worthwhile endeavor. Madison Haulcy is a graphic design student and faith-based art vendor who sold stickers and prints that she created at the pop-up shop. Haulcy has a colorful, vibrant art style and aims to incorporate the Christian value of being of service to others into the work that she does.

“This is my first time selling my art and I wanted to do so at an event that’s for a good cause,” Haulcy said. “It’s good to make an effort to help fight against overdose and share ways for students to join the cause.”

The pop-up shop was a vibrant showcase of the talented artists who walk the halls of LSU. Raine Zoogel is a junior majoring in art and sold prints of her wildlife photography, along with handmade bracelets and necklaces made of stones at the art show. Zoogel hopes that attendees walked away with a better understanding of how they can help prevent drug-related overdose deaths.

“We’ve partnered with End Overdose LSU to host this event that mixes art with raising awareness about something important,” Zoogel said. “The whole message is to emphasize how important this is and encourage people to educate themselves.”

An ART 3020 class of 15 students came together to organize, advertise and pick a nonprofit to sponsor at the event. The success of the event is a shining example of how students can mobilize to contribute something greater than themselves and incorporate their disciplines into it. To keep up with LSU End Overdose, you can follow them on Instagram: @endoverdose.lsu.