On August 30th at Essex County Remembers, two alumni of Northshore Recovery High School (NRHS) displayed a beautiful painting (“Growth”) they created for our organization, commissioned specially for the event. This painting captured the hearts of our event guests. The artwork served as a moving tribute to those we’ve lost, whom we gathered to honor and celebrate that afternoon.
Following the event, the painting returned home to NRHS, where it inspired current students as a powerful reminder of the creativity, resilience, and spirit that recovery makes possible.
Its journey didn’t stop there. The piece was selected as an auction item for Frankie’s Voice, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting young people in recovery and youth recovery programs in the local area. At the organization’s annual fundraiser, the painting drew enthusiastic bids, ultimately finding its way back to the halls of NRHS thanks to the generosity of the highest bidder, who chose to donate it to the school.
Now proudly displayed at NRHS, the painting stands as a testament not only to the talent of NRHS alumni but also to the power of community. Originally commissioned by Essex County Outreach for Essex County Remembers, the piece has already brought together and inspired so many. It’s uplifting to celebrate the painting’s going “home,” reminisce about the Essex County Remembers event, and reflect on the incredible work that local organizations do every day to expand knowledge about and access to recovery.
Let’s continue to share purpose and generosity and keep hope and healing alive.
“Growth” Artist Statement
My work reflects the process of transformation during recovery. The hands in the piece show flowers blooming directly from the skin, not from a vine, which symbolizes how growth in sobriety comes from within, not through external influences.
The background colors represent the fluctuating emotions we experience throughout recovery. These emotions can be difficult, but when we look at the whole picture, just like our journey to sobriety, they create something meaningful and beautiful.
Like flowers, we need to give ourselves patience, care, and time to grow into the person we were meant to become.