The Art Therapy Studio invites you to the second annual showcase of works from the program “Art of Recovery: Art as Storytelling for Healing.” Comprised entirely of pieces created by clients in the Cleveland Treatment Center’s Addition Recovery therapy program, the exhibit demonstrates the potential for art in effecting personal transformation and the triumph of the human spirit over the obstacles presented by addiction.

 

Three main principles lie at the heart of the CTC recovery program: 1. Art is a valuable coping mechanism that offers participants a new, constructive way to express themselves and their emotions, 2. Art provides an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends and otherwise rebuild relationships that may have deteriorated during the period of addiction, and 3. The act of creating art fosters a client’s sense of self-confidence, which positively impacts all others facets of his or her life.

“I didn’t even know I could draw, until I started participating in art therapy,” says Michelle, one of the clients whose artwork will be featured in the upcoming exhibit. “My perspective on art has changed; it makes me feel like I can do anything. Any block that I’ve ever had in my life, that I can overcome it. Expressing my feelings through art has opened my mind to a lot of different areas. It has given me a new outlook on life.”

 

“After participating in a session, I don’t even remember what was wrong at the end of the day,” Michelle explains. “It allows me to express myself in a safe environment. There is no judgement and nothing is ever wrong. It’s like, I can just be myself, and it’s okay. Art therapy makes me feel like I’m whole and that I am okay just the way I am.”

 

“The Art of Recovery” will be on display at the Cleveland Public Library on Superior Ave. from October 1 to November 30. For more information regarding the Art Therapy Studio, to register for classes, or for volunteer opportunities, visit www.arttherapystudio.org.

 

 

Art Therapy Studio

12200 Fairhill Road

Cleveland, Ohio 44120

arttherapystudio.org

216.791.9303