Recovery Zone returns artwork display, auction, with a special mission
It takes a community, a lot of love and practical resources to buoy those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues and help them along the path toward long-term recovery.
In a similar fashion, the Windows of Awareness fundraiser through the Recovery Zone of Logan County has garnered strong local support recently, with the overall goal of starting conversations around these issues to help reduce the stigma and also to raise funds for the Recovery Zone’s continued programming.
Amber Chivington, Recovery Zone public relations representative, said in a short number of weeks, many community members, local artists, peer supporters, churches, civic organizations and businesses have come alongside the Windows of Awareness project by creating artwork inside a window frame.
Each of the pieces feature a message of recovery, support or awareness in a variety of creative and eye-catching methods, including a stained glass piece, a window featuring a hand-crocheted artwork and a hand-drawn five-part military series.
During the past week, a total of 17 entries have been placed in a number of downtown Bellefontaine storefronts for the fundraiser that brings back the Recovery Zone’s previous Windows of Hope event under a new name.
“We’re so excited to bring back this event that people might remember from a few years ago, with a real focus on starting conversations around mental health and addiction and helping to connect people with resources and giving them hope,” Chivington said this week.
“We pulled the event together very quickly, but have been so overwhelmed by all of the support in the community and the very gracious and talented artists who created a window. There are so many beautiful pieces. Our local businesses have been so generous as well in letting us use their storefronts to display the art.
“We invite the community to take a walk around downtown Bellefontaine to check out the pieces, and then to attend our finale event and auction on Aug. 2 at the Recovery Zone, where they can purchase their favorite pieces.”
The Windows of Awareness display continues at downtown area business through Friday, Aug. 1.
Area residents are encouraged to cast their votes for their favorite artwork by liking and adding a comment on the Recovery Zone of Logan County’s Facebook page, which features individual posts for each piece, along with details about the artist and the message behind the artwork.
The artwork that receives the top three votes will be recognized at the Aug. 2 event.
Scanning a QR code on flyers next to the artwork also provides community resources for addiction and recovery, including local support meetings.
Artwork is currently displayed at the following downtown Bellefontaine businesses:
• One-Eyed Cookie Lab, 118 E. Court Ave.;
• Mystic Mama Rock & Jewelry, 110 E. Court Ave.;
• Darin Olson, Edward Jones Financial Adviser, 125 S. Main St.;
• Canby Building, 144 S. Main St.;
• The Poppy Seed Salon & Boutique, 140 S. Main St.;
• Hi-Point Business Solutions, 118 S. Main St.;
• Platinum Salon 121, 121 W. Columbus Ave.;
• Undertone Beauty Bar, 125 W. Columbus Ave.;
• Candy Craze, 129 W. Columbus Ave.;
• Peachtree Boutique, 136 W. Columbus Ave.;
• BUILD Co-Work + Space, 139 W. Columbus Ave.;
• Native Coffee, 111 S. Detroit St.;
• The Hanger Boutique, 120 N. Main St.; and
• The Naked Goat Bath & Body, 118 N. Main St.
Then on Saturday, Aug. 2, area residents are invited to bid on their favorite pieces at the Recovery Zone’s Windows of Awareness finale event and cookout, planned for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the newly remodeled 440 S. St. Paris St., Bellefontaine, facility. The Recovery Zone of Logan County was meeting at a temporary location earlier this year while the remodeling was taking place, said Chivington, who also has served the center as a peer supporter.
“We’re so thankful and so blessed to have this space, and we’re excited to show the community the Recovery Zone’s new and updated look.”
Bidding for the pieces will take place in a silent auction format, where bidders write down their bids on a paper. The bidding concludes at 1:45 p.m.
Throughout the celebration event, cookout fare will be served and speakers are planned as well, including peer supporters, practitioners and other local resources.
For those needing to talk to a supportive individual at any hour of the day, the Recovery Zone also provides a local warm peer line at (937) 210-9003, which is available 24/7.
In addition, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
