Pacific Clinics Recovery Education Institute’s (REI) 4th Annual Art and Recovery Event was a powerful day of creativity and connection. This year’s theme was Through Our Eyes: Stories of Growth, and welcomed more than 150 attendees, featured 60 artists and showcased 108 original art submissions. What began as a small opportunity for students to express themselves artistically has grown into a vibrant annual community event that continues to expand in both size and impact.
REI hallways were transformed into gallery spaces displaying artwork, zines and writing created by students and employees. The exhibition highlighted creative expression as an accessible and powerful pathway to self‑care, healing and connection — particularly for individuals navigating mental health and recovery journeys.
Attendees also participated in a variety of interactive workshops and wellness activities, including Collage Poetry, Calligraphy Care Cards, Mindfulness Art and Bracelet Making, and Decorating Individualized Wellness Care Plans. A wellness resource hub provided access to community mental health resources throughout the morning, reinforcing REI’s commitment to education and support beyond the classroom.
Based on survey feedback, the team incorporated a standout feature of this year’s event — a peer‑led zine project focused on mental health and recovery. These handmade zines offered participants a meaningful platform to share their stories in a raw, creative and accessible format and a structured way to share their personal stories through art.
“For many participants, the event offered more than an exhibition,” said Annie Medina, assistant education director. “It provided a rare opportunity to be seen, celebrated and acknowledged for their creative work.”
Many shared that having their work displayed and hearing how it resonated with others boosted their confidence and sense of purpose. For some, it was their first time publicly sharing their creative side.
The event concluded with a shared taco lunch, raffle prizes and opportunities for reflection and celebration. As participation continues to grow each year, the REI Art and Recovery Event remains a powerful reminder of the role creativity plays in healing, empowerment and community.
REI extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this event, including the community agencies who hosted resource tables: Access to Prevention, Advocacy, Intervention and Treatment (APAIT), The Purpose of Recovery (TPOR), Santa Ana College Wellness Center, Wellness Center Central, Didi Hirsch, Straight Talk Counseling, Telecare, NAMI Orange County, Orange County Health Care Agency, CalOptima and Mental Health Association of Orange County.
