Phoenix House New York Unveils UN-TOLD Art Exhibit, Showcasing Recovery Through Creative Expression

BROOKLYN, NY (06/15/2026) (readMedia)-- Last week, Phoenix House's Brooklyn Community Recovery Center (BKCRC) and the Art of Advocacy program unveiled a new community art exhibition, celebrating the transformative power of recovery with guests, artists, and supporters. Showcasing the work of more than 111 individuals in recovery, UN-TOLD is the culmination of Phoenix House's Art of Advocacy program - a three-year, SAMHSA-funded initiative designed to foster healing through accessible and engaging artistic experiences. Now in its final year, the program provides participants the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic mediums as a means of self-discovery and connection, and has evolved into a dynamic, peer-led space for those who identify as LGBTQ+, those engaged in harm reduction practices, and those re-integrating into community from incarceration and residential treatment programs.

View photos from the event here.

In Brooklyn, more than 500 New Yorkers died of a drug overdose in 2024, according to data from the NYC Department of Health. Serving residents across the borough, the BKCRC is based in Bedford Stuyvesant-Crown Heights, a neighborhood where the fatal overdose rate remains 31.9 per 100,000 residents, the 9th highest in New York City.

Featuring ceramics, metalwork, stained glass, loom weaving, and more, UN-TOLD challenges traditional narratives of recovery and affirms the role of creativity in reshaping identity, reclaiming agency, and building community. As part of the opening reception, visitors had the chance to view a complementary documentary screening chronicling the program's final year. The exhibit will stay open to the public through Saturday, June 20th at The Makers' Space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

"Phoenix House is immensely proud to present UN-TOLD as a testament to the power and freedom that recovery represents. This exhibit reflects the personal journeys of more than 111 New Yorkers who have found strength, connection, and purpose through creative expression. Thank you to our generous funder, SAMHSA, for creating this opportunity for our artists, and fueling their work through the Art of Advocacy program. We welcome all community members to come join us and enjoy the exhibit's full run through June," said Ann-Marie Foster, President & CEO of Phoenix House of New York and Long Island.

"UN-TOLD is the product of collective healing, and a celebration of community, resilience, and transformation on the journey to recovery. Over the course of this three-year program, our Art of Advocacy participants have engaged in structured workshops sessions, culminating in a mosaic that melds their unique creativity and shared personal growth. In the final year of the program, this exhibit reminds us all that the work of recovery is non-linear, constantly evolving, and flourishes most when individuals feel safe to explore and connect with one another. We are honored to celebrate each participant's journey and the community that sustains their growth," said Shaun Willis, Director of Recovery Services and Community Outreach of Brooklyn Community Recovery Center.

About Phoenix House - Brooklyn Community Recovery Center: Since 1967, Phoenix House New York has helped thousands of people overcome substance use disorders in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. The Phoenix House Brooklyn Community Recovery Center (BKCRC) is a peer-driven drug and alcohol addiction recovery support center created in collaboration with state and local community-based organizations. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the center offers a comprehensive range of programs, including residential treatment, outpatient services, and recovery support tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With a focus on community, empowerment, and personal growth, BKCRC supports individuals through every step of their recovery journey, fostering a safe and nurturing environment.

About Art of Advocacy: The Art of Advocacy program uses the power of creativity to amplify the voices of individuals in the recovery community by fostering connections with supportive and caring environments that prioritize happiness, health, and wellness. Funded by SAMSHA, the three-year initiative provides a unique platform where individuals can engage in artist-led workshops that encourage self-expression while receiving wellness companioning.

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