Friday Lates – Art, Recovery, and Reflection

As part of Wolverhampton’s Recovery Month celebrations, I was invited to run a tote bag workshop at the Art Gallery’s Friday Lates event—a vibrant evening of art, storytelling, and shared strength, hosted by The Good Shepherd and SUIT.

The gallery came alive with music, live art by Matt the Artist, life drawing sessions led by Hannah Boyd, and a host of creative activities. Stories were shared to a listening audience—including my own—and the energy in the room was one of celebration and reflection.

For this workshop, I set the stencils aside. Participants were invited to create freely, guided only by the theme of recovery. Some painted words, some symbols, some abstract colour fields. All I asked was that their ideas and hearts were with recovery in mind.

It was extra special for me—it happened to be my birthday, and honestly, there was no place I’d rather have been. To spend the evening surrounded by creativity, courage, and community was the best gift I could have asked for.

Grateful to The Good Shepherd, SUIT, and everyone who made the evening so memorable. It was a reminder that recovery is not just a journey—it’s a celebration, a community, and a creative force.

Take a look at The Good Shepherd’s press release for more reflection on the gallery take-over: https://www.gsmwolverhampton.org.uk/celebrating-art-for-recovery-in-wolverhampton/