Recovery is For Everyone will showcase artwork created by Good Shepherd’s Recovery Art Group, developed through a series of Arts Council England-funded workshops and mentoring sessions led by local artists. 

Throughout the year, Good Shepherd has supported people recovering from addiction, mental health challenges and homelessness to explore their creativity through a diverse programme of artist-led sessions. Participants have developed skills in oil painting, portraiture, watercolours, ceramics, printmaking, installation art, spoken word, illustration, art theory and photography. 

The exhibition highlights not only artistic talent but also the transformative role creativity can play in supporting wellbeing, confidence and recovery. 

Kate Penman, Creative Lead at Good Shepherd, said: 

“Art and creativity are powerful tools in the recovery journey. This exhibition celebrates the courage, growth and talent of our recovery artists, many of whom did not consider themselves artists before joining the group. It is a joy to see the group’s reactions as we frame and install their work in a gallery space. The standard of the work created over the last nine months is exceptional and reflects how hard everyone has worked as a collective and just how invested everyone is in this project. Art, like recovery really is for everyone. We’re delighted to be showcasing their work for Recovery Month, and I know everyone is excited for the launch on Friday.” 

John Webb, Recovery Art Group member, added: 

“I had always assumed that art wasn’t for me. I’d held that belief since I was very young. I hadn’t enjoyed arts and crafts and thought I was hopeless at it. Three years ago, I was at a very low point. My key worker had suggested going to an art group a few times before and I reluctantly agreed to give it a try. It became therapy for me: mark-making, scribbling, dabbing and paint pouring, anything where I wasn’t focused on my lack of skills. 

“This year, I am very proud of my wolf image. It was chosen for the flyer for the upcoming exhibition. It took patience and attention to detail, but the result is amazing. I didn’t know I was capable of that.” 

The artwork from the Recovery Art Group will be featured alongside work created by children and young people from art workshops with Wolverhampton 360. During the summer holidays, Wolverhampton 360 provides support for children and young people affected by a parent’s or carer’s drug or alcohol misuse. The art programme with Good Shepherd offers a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where children can take part in fun, structured activities while receiving emotional support from trained staff. 

Anna, Complex Needs Practitioner at Wolverhampton 360, said: 

“We can’t wait to see all our masterpieces in the upcoming exhibition and to see the children’s reactions to their wonderful artwork on display. They’ll be able to invite their friends and families and feel proud of what they’ve achieved. I know we’re all incredibly proud of them.” 

The exhibition launch event will take place on Friday 11 September, from 6pm to 9pm, at Wolverhampton Arts Centre on Dunkley Street. 

Following the launch, the exhibition will remain on display until Thursday 24 September 2026, subject to the venue’s opening times. 

The project is supported using public funding from Arts Council England.