Jane Suarez, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor I at Phoenix Programs, enlisted the help of daughter Ashley Drissell to harness the skills of MU art students in creating a piece of public art that captures the spirit of the recovery community. Drissell teaches a first year ceramics class at the University of Missouri and this year the students decided that they wanted to design and donate a large piece of public art to the community; providing them with practical experience designing and presenting a piece. Drissell’s connection to Phoenix Programs made them an obvious choice.

“My love of art, music, and dance…keeps me grounded, replenished and able to maintain balance in my own life, “said Ms. Suarez. “Empowering others in their healing and recovery is one of my life’s greatest joys.”

The project combines public art with awareness and empowerment. The piece is composed of large ceramic tiles with quotes and pictures from clients, giving a voice to an invisible, and often forgotten, community struggling to be free of addiction.

“I want to live a peaceful life,” says one client. “Never give up,” says another. “My greatest dream is that I remain clean and sober for the rest of my life.”

See the video.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.