Phoenix House New York Unveils UnBound Art Exhibit, Showcasing Recovery Through Creative Expression

BROOKLYN, NY (06/13/2025) (readMedia)-- Last night, Phoenix House's Brooklyn Community Recovery Center and the Art of Advocacy program unveiled a new community art exhibition, celebrating the transformative power of recovery with guests, artists, supporters. Showcasing the work of more than 150 individuals in recovery, UnBound 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 second 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.

Featuring ceramics, metalwork, stained glass, loom weaving, and more, UnBound offers a powerful testament to the role of creativity in recovery. The works in the exhibit are presented as a collective tapestry - interweaving diverse materials, personal narratives, and evolving perspectives. Together, they challenge traditional narratives of recovery and affirm the role of creativity in reshaping identity, reclaiming agency, and building community. The exhibit will be open to the public from June 13-26 at the Pfizer Building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This year, the exhibit also features the screening of a documentary chronicling the program's second year. Community: A Lifeline for a Lifetime demonstrates the power of creativity and art as a means of lifting the voice of our recovery community. The screening takes place Saturday, June 14th at 6pm and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker, Rajvi Desai.

"As we celebrate Pride Month, Phoenix House is immensely proud to present UnBound as a testament to the power and freedom that recovery represents. This exhibit reflects the personal journeys of more than 150 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 look forward to welcoming the community to enjoy the exhibit's full run through June," said Ann-Marie Foster, President & CEO of Phoenix House of New York and Long Island.

"UnBound is the product of collective healing - a web of self-discovery unlocked by each artist's deep commitment to recovery. In just a year, our Art of Advocacy participants have evolved structured art workshops into a collaborative exhibit, a mosaic of lived experiences and creativity. This exhibit is a reminder that healing doesn't happen in isolation, but in environments that nurture trust, experimentation, and connection. 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.

###