Curator and artist Frida Foberg (@fridafoberg) at the opening of The Transformation Project at Arts Letters & Numbers (@artslettersandnumbers) in November 2025.
All photographs from The Transformation Project exhibition used for this blog were taken by photographer Vito Fun (@vitofun) https://www.vitofun.nyc/
The 2025 Transformation Project exhibition at Arts Letters & Numbers
For this Performing Recovery blog, Leon Clowes was in conversation with Frida Foberg, Special Project Coordinator at Arts Letters & Numbers, Albany, NY.
The full conversation can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/TTyhjzZUOf8
The Transformation Project returned to Arts Letters & Numbers in November 2025 for its third annual exhibition, gathering artists, community members, and advocates to raise awareness, provide support, and foster hope and recovery around Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Organized by the NOpiates Committee and Arts Letters & Numbers, the show was curated by Frida Foberg and cultivated dialogue through painting, sculpture, writing, music, and performance.
Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (@ellensinopolidancecompany) performed at the exhibition opening
A Space for Dialogue and Art
Leon Clowes: Frida, it’s lovely to finally meet after corresponding for a couple of years. This is the third Transformation Project at Arts Letters & Numbers, isn’t it? Can you tell us a bit about how it started and what it’s about?
Frida Foberg: Yes, it’s great to meet you too! The project began in 2023, so this is our third year. It’s a collaboration between two organizations. The NOpiates Committee is a grassroots group here in upstate New York focusing on Substance Use Disorder awareness, working with other organizations, rehab facilities, and trying to engage youth in their work. Arts Letters & Numbers is a nonprofit arts organization hosting residencies and welcoming people from all over the world to make art across all disciplines.
The idea behind the Transformation Project was, “What would happen if we combined NOpiates’ work with Arts Letters & Numbers and created an art show focused on substance use disorder?” We wanted to provide a platform to destigmatize, shed light on what’s happening, and create space for individuals impacted both personally and through society to express and reflect.
Solid Heart Sculpture by Janae Young (@janae.online)
Reactions and Community Impact
Leon: You’re clearly proactive in welcoming schools and different community groups. What kind of responses do you get from the people who participate or visit?
Frida: There’s often a sense of relief. People feel grateful there’s a platform for this kind of work. Everyone has a story to tell, even those not personally affected. What’s important is the diversity: some participants have never made or shown art before, and others are established artists. When artists apply, we ask them how their work relates to their experience with substance use disorder, so the exhibition is filled with stories.
When youth, like high schools, come to visit, we talk about the works, and then they make art in response. It’s not just about reflection, it’s about prevention, too, helping them understand the impact. This year, for the first time, we had men from local housing participate. Previously only the women’s housing had art supplies. For the opening, it became a chance for people to reunite and for their families to share moments together.
You Can Learn a Lot of Things from the Flowers by Laura Lee Ross (@llrossart)
Partnership, Growth, and Emotional Labour
Leon: Will this continue as an annual partnership? And is international participation still encouraged?
Frida: We’re definitely planning to keep it going, as long as we can keep up the donations and fundraising that make it possible. Honestly, after each show I feel unsure whether I can do it again—it’s a heavy lift, because you’re sitting with everyone’s stories. But then, as the installation comes together, I’m reminded why it matters.
Talking to the artists, seeing their stories firsthand, it’s clear we have to continue. One artist told me this project has meant more to her than anything else.
Leon: In recovery communities, sharing stories is such a powerful but heavy thing, both to give and to receive. Thank you for finding the energy to make the project happen every year.
Four artworks by Gab Menjivar (@gabanader)
Highlights of 2025 and Growing Community
Leon: Were there any standouts this year? The opening seemed very well attended!
Frida: This year broke all our records: 43 artists, 65 artworks, and 165 people at the opening, which is the most we’ve ever had. Many new faces, plus returning friends. We set up a drawing station for kids, which has been a big hit.
Every year is different. The first year, we had shows in two locations, including the Sand Lake Center for the Arts, where we had performances and readings as well as visual work. This year, everything took place at Arts Letters & Numbers, and the performances were wonderful. A local dance company, Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company, performed four pieces, then did an improvised section based on poems read by different people in the room. It was incredibly moving—there were tears in the audience! We also had music and a special grief performance.
Dictum by Alex Selas
Advice for Prospective Artists
Leon: If someone wants to apply for next year, any advice as curator?
Frida: I’m most interested in the stories, and how the work connects to the person. I tend to prefer newer works as they feel more immediate. This year, one artist showed work from years ago alongside new pieces, both about recovery but very different in style and emotion, which told a powerful story about her journey.
We do limit digital works, mainly for practical reasons like equipment. Of course, people need to get their physical pieces to us somehow!
Jonesing by Briona Hendren (@brionahendren)
Final Thoughts
Leon: Thank you, Frida, for giving your time in the busy heart of the exhibition. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Frida: Just my gratitude for you and everyone involved, and to encourage anyone with questions or interest to reach out. I hope we can keep this going.
Leon: It’s a pleasure. Thank you, and all the best for the days ahead!
About The Transformation Project
The Transformation Project is an annual exhibition at Arts Letters & Numbers, curated by Frida Foberg and organized with the NOpiates Committee. It brings together visual art, performance, and community reflection to foster healing and hope around substance use disorder and recovery. In 2025, the exhibition featured 43 artists, extensive community participation, and drew record crowds to its opening. For updates or information on how to participate, follow Arts Letters & Numbers (@artslettersandnumbers) and the NOpiates Committee, or contact Frida Foberg directly.
