Last Friday (September 26th), the Good Shepherd transformed Wolverhampton Art Gallery into a vibrant celebration of recovery as part of the gallery’s popular ‘Friday Lates’ series.

The event marked a powerful end to Recovery Month, showcasing the transformative role the arts play in supporting people on their recovery journeys.

During the evening over 150 attendees engaged in hands-on workshops, including an illustration photo booth, print making, African drumming, wildflower clay bomb making and live painting by local artist Matt Lloyd.

A short film premiered, capturing the spirit of the UK Recovery Walk and Recovery Village which took place earlier this month, thanks to funding from Arts Council England.  September 13th saw thousands walk the streets Wolverhampton and celebrate in West Park in the name of recovery.

The walls of the gallery included placards and banners from the Recovery Walk’s ‘floating exhibition’, featuring children’s artwork and inspirational quotes from people in recovery. The gallery also presented artwork from the Good Shepherd’s weekly art group which also exhibited in the West Park bandstand at the Recovery Walk celebrations.

The evening also featured powerful recovery stories from Good Shepherd Keyworker Vicky Mosedale and Illustrator Charlotte Web. Poet Ian Henery also shared a spoken word performance about his recovery journey.  The presentations were testament to the power of lived experience.

Photography courtesy of KJ Photography.

Kate Penman, Community Engagement Worker at Good Shepherd and project lead, reflected on the evening:

“It was a fantastic evening which showcased the formidable recovery community we have here in Wolverhampton.

“The evening encompassed our city’s motto, Out of Darkness Cometh Light and the role the arts play in people’s recovery journeys. You can still catch our pop-up exhibition, featuring some of our amazing artists at The Hub.”

The ‘Recovery is for Everyone’ exhibition, featuring artists who attend the Good Shepherd art group is open until the end of October at The Hub, Wolverhampton Train Station. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday 12-2pm and is funded through Arts Council England.

Dinosaur Kilby, Creative Producer at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, added:

“It’s fantastic to celebrate the great work that the Good Shepherd do in the community. Friday Lates are an opportunity for people to get involved in culture in Wolverhampton.”

The next ‘Friday Late’ at Wolverhampton Art Gallery will be on Friday October 31st, celebrating Black History Month, visit https://wolverhamptonart.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173661231 for tickets

For more information about the Good Shepherd visit gsmwolverhampton.org.uk.