Annual Art of Recovery: The Human Journey Show

The 18th Annual Art of Recovery: The Human Journey Show is underway!

The 18th Annual Northern Community Mental Health (NLCMH) Art of Recovery: The Human Journey show is on display at the Traverse Area District Library in the McGuire Community Room (left after entering the library) from Monday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

This show celebrates the healing power and resilience of people, and is designed to combat stigma and demonstrate that we are all in this human journey together.

NO MATTER WHAT the challenge – mental illness, substance abuse, grief, loss, domestic violence, divorce – we all have struggles sometimes and we are resilient people who are all in this journey together. Sometimes people are filled with relief to see that they are not alone and realize that others have grappled with similar challenges and experienced some of the same things they do. We have heard over and over that this show empowers us!

Join us for a free public reception on Tuesday, November 18, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Thank you to the Traverse Area District Library for hosting the show.

Congratulations to all the artists! The art submitted for 2025 is shown below. If you are interested in purchasing something, please call 231-922-4850 and ask for Aimee Johnson to make arrangements.

Aaron S.

In God We Trust

Recovering from traumatic brain injury. Art makes me think of God’s creations and of his love.

$20

Audrey O.

Midnight Dance

I am recovering from deep dark depression, soul-crushing darkness, and homelessness.

Not for sale

Audrey O.

Joy

I am recovering from deep dark depression and homelessness.

Not for sale

Betsy Z

Medusa with Corn Snakes

Considered to be one of the more intelligent species of snakes, Corn Snakes are not only smart and colorful, but they have great personalities.

I always imaged Medusa having a connection with her snakes. I chose Corn Snakes because of their personalities and how they bond with their keepers. I also illustrated them here interacting with Medusa herself. You will notice each snake is a different color. These are called “Morphs.”

I personally have a Corn Snake named Prometheus. As an emotional support animal, he’s one of many elements to my recovery journey.

$20 print – without frame

Betsy Z

Zapdos: Legendary Bird of Lightning

Thunder claps and lightning shatter the sky as Zapdos comes with electric fury…legends do live!

$20 print – without frame

Bruce A.

Untitled

Recovering from TBI. When I do art it expresses how I feel and it makes people happy.

$40

Bruce A.

Untitled

Recovering from TBI. When I do art it expresses how I feel and it makes people happy.

$30

Carolyn T.

Dahlia

$50 (photo on canvas)

Carolyn T.

The Barn

$50 (photo on canvas)

Carolyn T.

Algae

$50 (photo on canvas)

Garret R.

F-35

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Making art lets me express my inner feelings and airplanes make me feel happy.

$15

Heather D.

Be the Change

Recovering from depression and anxiety for 30+ years, and now grief from my husband’s passing almost three years ago.

$15

Heather D.

The Dance

Recovering from depression and anxiety for 30+ years, and now grief from my husband’s passing almost three years ago.

$15

Heather D.

Let Us Illuminate Our World

Recovering from depression and anxiety for 30+ years, and now grief from my husband’s passing almost three years ago.

$15

Jeannie Z.

Untitled

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury. I enjoy being creative.

$25

Jeff G.

Untitled

I am sightless due to my TBI but I am learning how to paint by staying in the raised lines made by my art teacher. Making art makes me happy and proud. Art is love.

$25

Jeff G.

Untitled

I am sightless due to my TBI but I am learning how to paint by staying in the raised lines made by my art teacher. Making art makes me happy and proud. Art is love.

$25

Jeff M.

Puzzling Beauty

Art helps me relax, and helps so my mind doesn’t wander.

$10 (without frame)

Jeff M.

Summer

Art helps me relax, and helps so my mind doesn’t wander.

$10 (without frame)

Jessica D.

The Circle of Life

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury. I get to express my feelings when I create art.

$25

Johnny C.

La Familia: The Family

Recovering from family breakup required me to go through the stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. This required me to come to terms with the reality that the relationship is over and its time to move forward.

$1550

Johnny C.

Unimaginable Disbelief

Recovering from being divorced. Required me to accept being divorced and the process of grieving, focusing on my spiritual journey with God, my well being, and rebuilding my life through it all.

$950

Johnny C.

Starve A Cold

Recovering from brokenness. Required acknowledging and processing the emotions, seeking support from others, support through therapy and engaging in self-care activities, and my spiritual journey with God has helped me tremendously.

$450