Lavell Brown – ‘Piece of Recovery’, Image courtesy of Detroit Recovery Project
The Detroit Recovery Project is shining a spotlight on the power of art to heal and inspire at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ 16th Annual Community Group Art Exhibition, running through January 5. Featuring over 100 works from nine community organizations across the Tri-County area, the exhibition highlights the creativity and resilience of individuals, with the Detroit Recovery Project proudly showcasing the transformative role art plays in self-expression, personal growth, and fostering a sense of connection and healing.
Natalie Barmore, director of Studio Programs at the Detroit Institute of Arts, emphasizes that the DIA is creating and will continue to harvest an artistic space for all.
“It’s important for us to be able to create this safe space because art, creating art is therapeutic,” Barmore said.
“It gives you an opportunity to express yourself without having to use your words. You can use colors, shapes, and textures to express how you feel and to help you navigate some of the highs and lows in your life. And it is important that the DIA make that connection to all aspects of the community here in Detroit in the Tri-County area.”
Matt Spehar, Program Coordinator from the Detroit Recovery Project (DRP), is going into the second year of hosting and encouraging recovery participants to participate in the art exhibition.
“A lot of the participants have either stayed in our recovery housing or have attended my groups and other recovery coaches’ groups, “Spehar said.
“So they’re all clients of DRP’s that come in for whether it be substance disorder, mental health disorder, or primary care. We essentially offer wraparound service or outpatient therapy. So everybody’s welcome here.”
Detroit Recovery Group, Image courtesy of Detroit Recovery Project
The diverse range of works on display includes everything from intricately designed paper masks and ceramic footprints to bold acrylic paintings and meticulously crafted wooden sculptures. Each piece tells a unique, deeply personal story, reflecting the individual journeys of the artists.
These artworks not only highlight the creativity and skill of the participants but also their dedication to overcoming personal challenges and finding strength through artistic expression. For many, the opportunity to share their work in such a prominent venue is a moment of pride and empowerment.
Spehar spotlights he sees many of the participants faces light and get more comfortable with creating once they experience the DIA.
“And they get in there and just watch their jaws drop, and then they go around, and they see all the different artifacts and the artworks; they’re flabbergasted by it,” Spehar said.
“And to watch them in the studio and to see them, get involved in the work, and you can just watch, all their thoughts, all their fears, all their shame and guilt and everything that they’re dealing with, just dissipate, and they pour themselves into their hard work.”
For over 25 years, the DIA’s Community Group Program has been providing a space for individuals to explore their artistic talents, offering an inclusive and supportive environment where participants can express themselves freely. The program fosters both personal and social growth, helping to build meaningful connections within the community. The Detroit Recovery Project’s participation in this year’s exhibition further emphasizes the power of the arts to support recovery, spark conversations, and create lasting impact.
As the exhibition continues through the holiday season, it invites visitors to reflect on the profound effect that art can have on individuals and communities, particularly for those who have used creativity as a tool for recovery and personal development. The Detroit Recovery Project’s contribution to this showcase serves as a powerful reminder of the healing power of art and the strength of the human spirit.
“I think that the community group art exhibition is one of the reasons why DIA is a world-renowned museum because we are doing things that are unique in connecting with our community, not just bringing people from the community into the museum but using the museum to to to exhibit the people from the community. What I love about this exhibit is its home-run exhibition,” Barmore said.
Detroit Institute of Arts has extended holiday hours and the museum will return to regular hours on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2025.
Thursday, Dec. 26
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 27
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 28-29
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 30
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 31 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For information visit https://dia.org.
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