Courtesy of the Zeno Group
Rosecrance, a Rockford, Ill.-based nonprofit teen and adult substance abuse treatment center, has brought its travelling art exhibit, “In My Shoes,” to Milwaukee, which features shoes decorated by its teen patients. Developed last year by Rosecrance art therapist Jennifer Thammavong, “In My Shoes” is an example of how art can be used as part of the recovery process from drugs and alcohol.
“The process of creating shoe art is a meaningful experience because each shoe is unique and tells a teen’s story about addiction, recovery and, most importantly, their hopes and dreams for the future,” says Thammavong. “We hope that by communicating the challenges teens face in this visual, honest way, the exhibit will inspire parents to do all they can to support and help prevent any level of substance use among their teens. The first step is having an open and honest discussion on the topic.”
While Rosecrance is based out of Rockford, most of its clients come from southern Wisconsin, primarily from the Milwaukee and Madison areas, as well as northern Illinois.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ 2014 Wisconsin Epidemiological Profile on Alcohol and Other Drug Use report, more than 20% of high school teens in Milwaukee are being offered, sold or given illegal drugs on school property. Additionally, it states that 728 drug-related and 120 alcohol-related suspensions and expulsions occurred during the 2011-2012 school year in Milwaukee high schools.
“We know that young people today may face many challenges in their lives, but we believe—and we know from our experience—that emotional, physical and spiritual healing is possible,” says Thammavong. “We hope that you will visit the exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Library.”
“In My Shoes” is free and on display at Milwaukee’s Central Library (814 W. Wisconsin Ave.) through April 26. It will be on display at the state Capitol May 11-22. For more information, visit rosecrance.org/inmyshoes or contact Judy Emerson at 815-387-5605 or jemerson@rosecrance.org.
