The Shining Star Portrait Project is an initiative promoted by Artist, Author and speaker, Beth Mount. She brought this initiative to New Mexico in 2014 to be shared throughout the state by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Shining Star Portrait Project is a process of discovering oneself through the medium of art to be able to share a life story. Several artists along with Deborah Lassiter and Dave Brunson of the Department of Health-Developmental Disabilities Supports Division will be presenting a slide show of the 2014 and 2016  Southwest Shining Star Portrait Project. The ultimate goal of this project is to help connect people with disabilities to the community through shared stories and valued experiences.