For many people, recovery is measured by sobriety. For others, it is also reflected in paint strokes, photographs, poetry, sculpture and the courage to share their stories.
A celebration of recovery through art
That is the vision behind the sixth annual Recovery Art Gala, presented by the Washtenaw Recovery Advocacy Project (WRAP), a program of Home of New Vision. The event celebrates artists with lived experience in recovery while helping the broader community see addiction and healing through a different lens.
Artists interested in exhibiting their work have until Aug. 29 to apply. The 2026 Recovery Art Gala is expected to be held at Zingerman’s Greyline, 100 N. Ashley St. in Ann Arbor. The Gala is Friday, September 11, 2026, starting at 7 p.m.
“The Recovery Art Gala began with the recognition that recovery does not look the same for everyone,” said Robert Colley, CPRC, DP-C, Director of Recovery Strategy & Implementation for Home of New Vision. “There are many pathways to recovery, including treatment, medication, peer support, mutual-aid groups, faith, wellness activities, cultural connection, and creative expression. For some people, art becomes an important pathway and a powerful way to sustain recovery.”
Colley said WRAP created the gala to recognize artistic expression as a meaningful pathway to recovery while providing people with a professional and welcoming place to showcase their talents.
An invitation for artists at every level
The event welcomes artists at all stages of recovery and from all artistic backgrounds.
“Applicants do not need to be professional artists,” Colley said. “We welcome people at different stages of recovery and people following different recovery pathways.”
An evening of hope, healing and connection
Attendees can expect an evening of original artwork, opportunities to meet participating artists, entertainment and conversations that highlight the many different journeys of recovery.
“One of the highlights is the range of recovery experiences represented,” Colley said. “No two artists or recovery journeys are exactly alike. Each piece offers a different perspective on healing, identity, struggle, growth, connection, and hope.”
For Colley, the gala represents much more than an art exhibition.
“Recovery is about more than reducing or stopping substance use,” he said. “It can also involve rebuilding identity, finding purpose, strengthening relationships, developing healthy ways to manage emotions and creating a meaningful life.”
Finding a voice through creative expression
He believes art gives many people a voice when words alone are not enough.
“Completing and sharing a piece of art can also build confidence and remind someone that they have talent, value and something meaningful to contribute,” Colley said.
Changing the conversation about recovery
The gala also seeks to challenge misconceptions about substance use disorder.
“Stigma grows when substance use disorder is discussed only through crisis, loss, crime, or tragedy,” Colley said. “Those experiences are part of the story, but they are not the whole story.”
Instead, visitors are invited to meet people in recovery as artists and neighbors.
“The gala allows the public to meet people in recovery as artists, creators, parents, professionals, neighbors, and valued community members,” Colley said.
Although rooted in the recovery community, Colley emphasized that the event is open to everyone.
“We hope attendees leave feeling hopeful, connected, and inspired,” Colley said. “We want people to understand that recovery is real, personal, and possible through many different pathways.”
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How to get involved
Artists with lived experience in recovery can apply through WRAP until August. 29. Community members can support the gala by attending, volunteering, sponsoring the event, promoting the artist application, supporting participating artists, and becoming visible recovery allies. Registration information for attendees will be announced through WRAP’s website and social media channels once finalized.
For more information about the 2026 Recovery Art Gala, including event updates and future registration details, community members can visit the Recovery Art Gala Facebook event page.
Artists interested in exhibiting their work can apply through WRAP’s online application form. The application can also be accessed through the Recovery Art Gala Facebook event page. Applications will be accepted through August. 29.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
