MANSFIELD — Sunday evening was the hottest night of 2025 thus far with temperatures still in the low 90s.
But that didn’t stop people from gathering at the Jericho Wall of Remembrance and Recovery to help remember nearly 400 people in Richland County who have died from drug overdose since 2016.
By the time the evening was over, there were 399 metal, decorated stars on the fence, each a reminder of a loved one lost to addiction.
The memorial art park, which features the artwork of 10 local artists covering 16 concrete bays on a 190-foot wall, is now in its third summer of existence.
The wall is located on West Dickson Avenue, east of Bowman Street, between West Third and Fourth Streets, in the Imagination District downtown.
The park, just east of First Christian Church and managed by the ARC Empowerment Center, was dedicated in August of 2023, placing on it 85 names of people who have died of overdose. Each was placed with the permission of their families.
Last year, a pavilion was built, sponsored by the Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board. Still to come is signage that will offer education for those seeking help for mental health and addiction recovery.
The stars, three to four inches in size, were painted by several groups in the area, coordinated by Rachael Justice and Jayne Stahlke, who lead a weekly art program at Mosaic Church.
Other groups that decorated stars include a women’s group at Fusion Church in Lexington; Julie Parsons and her park art classes; Ignited girls in Shelby; and Community Alternative Center (CAC) in Mansfield.
Those attending Sunday evening were invited to place stars on the east fence themselves, during a time of worship, food and music.
(Below are photos from an event Sunday evening at the Jericho Wall of Remembrance and Recovery in downtown Mansfield.)
