‘Recovery Reimagined.’ Phoenix House Brooklyn Center unveils creative space to heal addiction
The studio encourages creative exploration in a space that looks nothing like a typical drug treatment intake center.
More Stories
Asking for help with addiction can feel overwhelming, but a new space in Brooklyn is making that step brighter and more creative.
With walls splashed in vibrant colors, sculpted art pieces and healing messages like “Recovery Starts Here,” the Phoenix House heART Center in Bed-Stuy offers more than treatment - it fosters self-expression.
Open to the public, the studio encourages creative exploration in a space that looks nothing like a typical drug treatment intake center.
“This is where the magic happens,” said program manager T. Thaddeus Brown. “I’m just thrilled when I see the light come on in somebody’s eyes.”
“This is recovery reimagined,” said Shaun Willis, director of Recovery Services and Community Outreach. “Art isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge to healing.”
Visitors to the new studio will also find "UnBound," a powerful community art exhibit showcasing ceramics, stained glass and metalwork from over 150 artists in recovery.
Jafet Montas is one of those artists.
He is three years into his own recovery journey and goes every day after his outpatient treatment.
“I’m creating a new routine for myself,” Montas shared. “It sets a different tone for my day. Before, all I knew how to do was sabotage it.”
They hope the center creates a judgement free goal, where people who would otherwise be intimidated can come in, enjoy the free art supplies and have a conversation they may never have in any other space.
Brown tells News 12 that over 1,000 people have been referred to further treatment.
