City Celebrates Recovery Through Art This September
Recovery Month Art Show at the Wheels Museum features work by people in recovery, with pieces available for purchase all month long
Recovery can take many forms, and this September Albuquerque is celebrating recovery through art. The Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery Art Show opened Sunday, September 13, with a community celebration at the Wheels Museum, featuring 50 pieces of artwork created by people in recovery, a DJ, a live art display, light refreshments, recovery and mental health resources, and an opportunity to meet some of the participating artists. The free show continues through September 30, with artwork available for purchase throughout Recovery Month.
The opening day event drew community members to the Wheels Museum, 1100 2nd St SW, and the Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery Committee was in attendance to welcome everyone, whether in recovery, loving someone who is, or simply there to experience art that reflects resilience, strength, and the possibilities that come with a life rebuilt. Students from Serenity Mesa were also present to showcase their works of art, which are on display collectively in at the museum.
“Art has always been one of the most powerful ways people tell the truth about their lives,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Every piece in this show represents someone’s journey, someone’s strength. Recovery Month is our chance to honor that work and celebrate what’s possible.”
The City sponsors both of Albuquerque’s signature Recovery Month events and serves on the Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery Committee, which was established 11 years ago by Adán Carriaga, a longtime champion for behavioral health and addiction treatment. The committee continues to lead recovery-focused events and activities throughout September.
“The Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery Committee has spent eleven years building a community that shows up for people in recovery with celebration, resources, and genuine respect,” said Ellen Braden, Executive Administrator for the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness and member of the Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery Committee.
“I’m so proud to have three pieces in this year’s show,” said Stephanie Nieto, wildlife photographer and Recovery Art Show participant. “I love this initiative and I hope it continues. It’s a positive thing for everyone.”
The art show is one of two signature events anchoring Albuquerque’s Recovery Month calendar. The 11th Annual Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery Main Event follows on September 24 at Civic Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring 50+ resource tables, live entertainment, and the announcement of this year’s Adán Carriaga Leader in Recovery Award. More than 1,000 attendees are expected.
Recovery Month, observed every September, celebrates the millions of people in recovery from substance use disorders and mental health conditions, and honors the providers and communities that make recovery possible. Mayor Tim Keller proclaimed September 2026 Recovery Month in Albuquerque on September 1.
For more information about Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery events throughout the month, visit abqrecovery.org. For information about the City’s behavioral health and recovery programs, visit cabq.gov/health-housing-homelessness or call 311.