A new exhibit from the Academy at Glengary—a working community where adults pursue mental health recovery—called The Art of Recovery is opening in The Ringling's Community Gallery this Friday, Aug. 10. 

The Art of Recovery highlights ways in which engaging with art can be beneficial for mental health. Each artist has included an artist statement with their work, and many describe how artmaking helps them in reducing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders. According to the exhibiting artists, the creative process can also increase self-esteem and provide an emotional outlet to express feelings which may be difficult to put into words. The exhibit features paintings, drawings, sculptures and jewelry.

“Creating art, like jewelry and felted wool pieces, makes me feel accomplished," artist Rebecca Wolfson explains. "I love to use many different colors. It creates such beautiful and lovely art. Creating art of any kind makes me feel something amazing.” 

The Art of Recovery will be on view in The Ringling’s Community Gallery through Dec. 8, 2023. Exhibitions in the Community Gallery are free to visit;  for more information, click here.