For 20 years, i worked in the recovery industry with my husband, helping newly sober individuals begin their recovery journey. Throughout the years, we helped over 20,000 people transform into who they were meant to be. Being in recovery myself, i can say that there is no higher calling than helping those who suffer, giving them a new way to do life, and seeing them blossom.

Once my artistic endeavors began, i realized that art helped me connect to my Higher Power in a way that I had never experienced before. Since our facility was 12-step based, therefore asking our clients to connect to and rely on a Higher Power, I knew that bringing art into their lives would help them immensely in their recovery journeys. We held countless art events, changed our yearly gala to spotlight artistic expression, and eventually created this mural alongside our clients.

Unfortunately, survival for nonprofits is at an all-time low, and our facility did not make it… along with the mural. So although we cannot keep the mural or even see it anymore, we can keep the memories of fellowship, the dedication to recovery, and the knowledge that, no matter what, art will take us to places we can’t begin to imagine.

The mural depicts moving from darkness, barrenness, and despair and taking the steps necessary to emerge into this new, beautiful world. A world where we can join with our fellows in harmony. A life full of light, beauty, confidence, and color. For so many, this never becomes a reality… but for those who take the leap… happiness beyond measure.