“Art for Recovery” Raises Awareness in Greensburg

by Kara Goughnour

The first annual “Art for Recovery,” an art show in honor of National Recovery Month, was held at DV8 Espresso Bar & Gallery in Greensburg on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

The curator of and a participating artist in “Art for Recovery,” Demetre Josebeck, said “[The point of this show is] to do something positive and fun in recovery…I feel that a lot of people have something to express.”

The show had live music, a free pastry and drink bar, and raffled off two door prizes, a gift basket and an art piece by Josebeck.

Timothy Phillips, the Director of the Drug Overdose Task Force and a participating artist, said “My job is to put myself out a job. If I can reduce the overdose deaths, that would be perfect. The old saying ‘it takes a village’ is now truer than ever…We have to stop hiding in church basements at meetings, get out, and let people know that we can become responsible, productive members of society.”

With more than 10 artworks displayed in the small café, DV8 hopes to grow the show and make “Art for Recovery” an annual event.

“Powering through the storm, you come out a better person sometimes. I’m not ashamed of my addiction. If anything, I embrace it and become a better person,” said Josebeck.

Mental Health America of Southwestern Pennsylvania holds a support group the last Wednesday of each month for those who have lost a loved one due to overdose. For more information, visit the Counseling Center in Student Services, or contact Mental Health America directly at (724)-834-6351.

Also open this month to those in recovery, AdventureTRAC and the Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Commission will host “Pedal 2 Paddle,” a free bike ride and kayak float at Cedar Creek Park beginning at 10:00 a.m. Sept. 25 through Sept. 29. Those reservations can be made by calling the owner of AdventureTRAC, Shane Dushack, at (412)-554-3829.