June 13, 2011

Two organizations pitting art against drugs will share the spotlight June 23rd, in a celebration of the UN Day Against Drugs. They agreed on a key point – give young people the truth about drugs, and they will make wise decisions on their own.

The Thomas Murphy Clubhouse is part of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club (www.madisonsquare.org/) and their exhibition of photographs, in collaboration with photographer Robert Northway, uses the red plastic cups that too many kids drink beer from, as a central prop for their personal rejection of the alcoholic subculture.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World (www.drugfreeworld.org), perhaps the largest non-governmental anti-drug program in the world, uses edgy public service announcements, booklets and videos to inform kids about the truth about drugs, again so they make their own decisions. The program is supported by the Church of Scientology.

From 7-9 pm on June 23 there will be an opening reception (speeches, refreshments) for an exhibition of the Thomas Murphy photographs which will continue through June 30. The Drug-Free World materials will also be on display, and copies available to visitors.

Foundation for a Drug-Free World, New York Chapter