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

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.

CHAD L JOHNSON, FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

We amplify the voices and visions of people in recovery through storytelling and art, proving that transformation is not only possible—it’s powerful. By showcasing lived experiences, we help individuals feel seen, communities feel connected, and recovery feel real.

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.

SCOTT EDWARD SMITH’S ART OF RECOVERY STORY

Scott Edward Smith is a gifted writer and storyteller, and above all, a proud sober man living in recovery. Where once he reached for alcohol to summon the courage to write, today his art speaks with clarity and authenticity born of hard-earned healing. As his recovery journey has deepened, so too has his creative voice—richer, more nuanced, and profoundly human. In this compelling video, Scott’s evolution shines through, a testament to how sobriety can transform not just lives, but the very art we create.

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

  • Terry Maday

    Emmy & Graphics - Winning Director & Cinematographer

  • David Llano

    Technical Director & Audio Engineer

  • John Nelson-Alden

    Design & Development Lead