Voices of Recovery — A Photovoice Exhibit

A partnership between Community of Grace Organization (COGO) and Dr. Laura Sherwood / Transformative Arts Project

Voices of Recovery is a Photovoice exhibit that invites women to share lived experiences through photography and short written reflections. This project centers voice, dignity, and truth—turning real stories into images that build understanding, connection, and hope.

“Recovery” can mean many things—navigating grief, rebuilding after hardship, moving through loss, or finding stability after major life transitions. However you define it, you are welcome here.

Poster advertising the 'Voices of Recovery' photovoice exhibit, showing a silhouette of a mother lifting her child at sunset on the beach, with informational text about the exhibit and logos of the organizing groups.
Check Flyer

What We’re Doing

Through guided Photovoice sessions, participants create photographs that reflect what they’ve lived through, what they carry, and what they’re becoming. Each image is paired with a brief written reflection, creating a collection of stories that may be shared through an online gallery and future community exhibits (with participant consent).

Why We’re Doing It

Too often, women’s stories are misunderstood or never heard at all. Voices of Recovery creates a respectful space where women can be seen beyond labels and supported through community care. The exhibit also helps our community better understand what women need to heal and move forward so support can be more informed, compassionate, and effective.

How It Helps

Participants gain:

✔ A safe, supportive space to express life experiences through photography and reflection
✔ Connection and community—so no one carries their story alone
✔ Confidence and empowerment through creative voice and storytelling
✔ Visibility and advocacy that raises awareness and inspires action
✔ A wellness pathway through reflection, peer support, and meaning-making

About Photovoice

Photovoice is a creative storytelling method that uses photographs and words to capture lived experience and strengthen community understanding. No photography experience is needed just a willingness to show up and share your perspective.

Transformative Arts Project
Two white T-shirts with red broken heart graphics and sentimental messages for a mother and child, laid on a bed with a dark blanket.
A sunset or sunrise over a dark road with cloudy skies and distant hills.
Close-up of an old, moss-covered wooden roof with a weathered, rusted nail and a small weathered structure in the background. The scene is set outdoors with trees in the background.
Spiritual altar with various crystals, tarot cards, and religious artifacts, including an Egyptian-inspired winged scarab figure, flanked by two images of women, with a candle and decorative items underneath.
A bouquet of multicolored roses including red, yellow, orange, and peach roses, wrapped in white paper, held against a background featuring a kitchen countertop and a door.
A bronze statue of a woman reading a book to two children, seated on a wooden bench against a brick wall.
Close-up of turkey tail fungi growing on decaying wood, showing colorful, concentric rings with a wavy texture.
Scenic river landscape with autumn-colored trees on hills, blue sky, and calm water.
Decorative boat with a figure and the word 'Resilience' on the side floating in calm water, with a reflection visible. The boat has spider web-like decorations and a small figure seated at the stern. Behind, there are white tents and people walking at an outdoor event on a city street lined with buildings, and bare trees are visible.
Deer in a wooded park with trees and grass, autumn leaves on the ground.
Bring this exhibit to your community

*COGO is not a crisis service. If you are in danger, call 911. If you need immediate emotional support, call or text 988.