The Art of Recovery Foundation Logo

We believe that recovery is not a destination but a courageous, daily journey — one made stronger through community, creativity and shared experience.

— Chad L Johnson, Founder & Executive Director of Art of Recovery Foundation

A COURAGEOUS DAILY JOURNEY

At The Art of Recovery Foundation our mission is to elevate the voices and stories of individuals living in recovery and managing mental illness through the transformative power of art. We believe that recovery is not a destination but a courageous, daily journey — one made stronger through community, creativity, and shared experience.

Our Vision

Founded with the belief that no one should suffer in silence or feel unseen, we work to dismantle stigma and ignorance surrounding addiction and mental health. Too often, society tells people to "snap out of it" — we exist to say: we see you, we hear you, and you are not alone.


Through the support and promotion of artists in active recovery, we deliver powerful messaging of hope, resilience, and healing. Whether through live storytelling events, short-form documentaries, visual art, or podcasts, our goal is to reframe modern recovery in a way that is honest, inclusive, and accessible — especially in a world shaped by short attention spans and social media soundbites.


We are not here to change recovery. We are here to amplify it — to reach more people, in more ways, in more places.


The Art of Recovery Foundation believes in art as a message, a mirror, and a megaphone. And through it, we aim to help others find their voice, their strength, and their community. Because too many are suffering. Too many are dying. And silence is not an option. We're here to help.

The Future

We envision a world where recovery from addiction and mental illness is met with compassion, understanding, and unwavering support — not judgment.


Through the transformative power of art carries messages of hope into every corner of society, reminding us all that recovery is real, that healing is possible, and that no one is beyond reach.


At the Art of Recovery Foundation we strive to be a beacon for those still struggling and a platform for those living the truth of recovery — one honest, beautiful story at a time.

Our Core Values

1. Radical Inclusion

Addiction does not discriminate, and neither does the Art of Recovery Foundation. Recovery belongs to everyone — across every race, gender, identity, income level, and belief system. Everyone deserves a chance to heal, be heard, and be part of a supportive community.

2. The Truth in Lived Experience

We honor and uplift the voices of those who've lived it. Whether it's through a painting, a podcast, or a powerful story told on stage, we believe firsthand experiences have the power to break stigma, open hearts, and create real understanding.

3. Art as a Messenger

Art is more than expression — it creates connection. We collaborate with artists in recovery to amplify their work and provide opportunities to connect them to the larger recovery communityto share the common thread of resilience, vulnerability, hope, and truth in ways that speak louder than statistics.

4. Recovery is a Journey

We reject the myth of quick fixes. Recovery and mental wellness are lifelong, evolving paths that require community, grace, and daily courage. We're here to support that journey — however long it takes, and however many times someone has to start again.

5. Hope is a Lifeline

Our work — and our funding — exists to plant seeds of hope. Whether we're backing a live event, producing visual media, or supporting an artist, everything we do aims to let someone know: you're not alone, and you can make it.

6. Community Over Shame

Shame isolates. We believe community heals. Our mission is rooted in showing up for one another with honesty, compassion, and zero judgment.

7. Innovation in Connection

We embrace new ways of reaching people where they are — especially in this fast-paced, digital world. From TikTok reels to gallery shows, we're committed to meeting modern recovery with modern tools.

Who We Are

Chad Johnson

Founder & Executive Director

Nancy Ettinger

Co-founder & Vice President

Dr. Howard Gluss

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Author, Psychotherapist, Speaker & Talk Show Host

Scott Edward Smith

Widely Experienced Writer in Theater, Television, and Film

Sean Foster

Experienced Senior Marketing Leader & General Manager

Michael Peterson

Creative Strategist and Story Teller

David Emma

Managing Partner at 210Grow

David Llano

Technical Director & Audio Engineer

John Nelson-Alden

Design & Development Lead