Call for entries for Art of Recovery 2025: Courage

The Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services is accepting entries for its Annual Art of Recovery exhibition of paintings, drawings, photography, poetry, and music from our local mental health and recovery system in conjunction with National Recovery Month in September and the Tri-County Board's Annual Meeting in October.

The art will be displayed in two locations: the Vaccaro-Myers Art Gallery on Edison State Community College's Piqua campus, September 8-27; and at the Tri-County Board's Administration & Training Center, 1280 N. County Road 25A, Troy, October 1-23. The Artists Reception and awards ceremony will be on Tuesday, October 21, from 4-6 p.m. at the Administration & Training Center. The exhibit will remain in place and viewable during business hours until October 23.

Theme for Art of Recovery 2025 is "Courage." The Art of Recovery web pages states: “Courage is not the absence of fear; courage is the strength to carry on in the face of fear, uncertainty or adversity. We are living in a time when many people feel fearful, when uncertainty seems to be the norm. Persons living with mental illness or addictions feel these pressures constantly. By focusing on courage, we can help ourselves and others summon the inner strength to persevere and to overcome adversity, uncertainty and fear.” Art does not have to reflect the theme to be included in the Exhibition. It is offered as a creative prompt for those looking for inspiration.

Artists who have been impacted personally, as a family member or friend, or anyone whose art reflects recovery from mental illness or addiction are invited to submit. Artists display works ranging from painting and drawing to sculpture, mixed media, crafts, photography and poetry. Artists typically reside in Darke, Miami and Shelby Counties, although submissions from other counties are welcomed.

To enter, use the online form at www.tcbmds.org/art. Artists may submit more than one piece, but each must have a separate entry form. Entries are requested to be received by Friday, September 5.

Artists will be contacted with details about how, when, and where to bring the physical pieces