Exhibition showcasing art in recovery is now on display at Wolverhampton Arts Centre as part of Recovery Month.

The Recovery is For Everyone exhibition showcases artwork from Wolverhampton-based charity Good Shepherd’s Recovery Art Group and was developed through a series of Arts Council England-funded workshops and mentoring sessions led by local creatives.

Throughout the year, Good Shepherd has supported people recovering from addiction, mental health challenges and homelessness to explore their creativity.

The exhibition launched on Friday 11 September, attracting around 150 people to an evening celebrating the talent and creativity of artists in recovery. The exhibition will remain open to the public until Thursday 24 September 2026, subject to Wolverhampton Arts Centre opening times.

Visitors to the launch were among the first to view a diverse collection of work exploring different mediums developed through a programme of artist-led sessions. The evening also featured a series of prestigious awards presented in partnership with the Wolverhampton Society of Artists (WSA), who independently judged the artwork on display.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Chris Manley Legacy Award, established in honour of the late Chris Manley, whose commitment to creativity and recovery continues to inspire artists across the city.

Kate Penman, Creative Lead at the Good Shepherd said:

"The feedback from the launch event has been overwhelming.  A definite highlight on the night was the awards ceremony with Wolverhampton Society of Artists' Chair, Norm Keech delivering awards to the Recovery Art Group for their outstanding work."  

"People are always surprised at just how good the artwork created is, and we have incredibly talented people in the group. With the opportunities afforded us through Arts Council funding, the group's artwork is curated by artist, Anna Bickley and showcased at the gallery hall at Wolverhampton Arts Centre which is a beautiful exhibition space."

"The group have engaged so well with the workshops and mentoring sessions that their work deserves to be exhibited professionally and have the recognition from Wolverhampton Society of Artists."

This year's Chris Manley Legacy Award for Artistic Excellence was presented to Good Shepherd artist in recovery, Alan:

" The course has really helped lift my spirits and get some enthusiasm back for being creative which in turn helps with depression and anxiety helping me remain positive and happy to engage with the world at large whilst working alongside others who are inspiring with their continued lust for life even during extreme difficulties.

“I’m pleased to be associated with the award as it was in Chris Manley's name and pleasantly surprised to be acknowledged by other more accomplished artists.”

The launch event also recognised the legacy of Sally Rowley, a much-loved member of the group who sadly passed away from cancer last year. In partnership with Studio G5 at Wolverhampton Arts Centre, 'Sal's Prize' was awarded to group members in recognition of their engagement, attendance and artistic development, celebrating Sally's lasting impact on the creative recovery community.

The exhibition forms part of a wider programme of events taking place throughout Recovery Month. The celebrations will continue on Friday 25 September with Friday Lates at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, taking place from 6pm to 9pm.

The free event will feature a pop-up gallery showcasing some of the artwork from the Recovery Art Group as well as music, family-friendly creative workshops led by Vowsie Moonhouse, Hannah Boyd-McKee, Bag Lord and Corey Savannah and a guided writing activity to create poetic responses to the artwork on show, led by Emma Purshouse, former poet laureate for the city of Wolverhampton.

As part of Sustainable Fashion Week, Reinvntd will also host a panel discussion titled Rethinking Consumption: A Conversation Inspired by Art & Fashion, encouraging conversations around sustainability, creativity and community.

Both the Recovery is for Everyone exhibition and Friday Lates event are free and open to everyone.

Tickets for Friday Lates can be booked via Event Booking Link.

The project is supported using public funding from Arts Council England