Exhibition celebrates people in addiction recovery

Artwork created by people recovering from addiction, mental health problems and homelessness is to go on display.

Recovery is For Everyone features work from children and young people affected by a parent or carer's drug or alcohol misuse as well as from people who would not have considered themselves artists beforehand.

It was organised by Wolverhampton charity Good Shepherd, which supports people who are homeless, live in poverty or face severe disadvantages. Creative lead Kate Penman said the work produced was exceptional.

The exhibition launches on Friday 11 September at Wolverhampton Arts Centre on Dunkley Street. It will remain on display until 24 September.

Participants explored activities like painting, portraiture, ceramics, printmaking, installation art, spoken word, illustration, art theory and photography.

Many of those involved had not previously considered themselves artists, Penman said.

"Art and creativity are powerful tools in the recovery journey," she said.

"Art, like recovery, really is for everyone," she added.

One of those exhibiting is John Webb, who said he previously believed art "wasn't for me".

When at a low point, his key worker suggested he joined an art group.

"It became therapy for me," he said.

He added that he was particularly proud of his image of a wolf which was chosen for the exhibition's promotional flyer.

"I didn't know I was capable of that," he said.

Anna, a complex needs practitioner at Wolverhampton 360, a free service which gives advice and support to young people, said the children would be able to invite friends and family to see their work.

"We're all incredibly proud of them," she said.

The project is supported by public funding from Arts Council England.

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