On October 15, the AllHealth Network Foundation brought community members together at NOVEL RiNo Gallery 190 for The Art of Connection, an evening exploring the common thread between art, behavioral health, substance use disorder, and the journey to healing. Held in collaboration with artist Lauren Glad’s exhibition, What Breaks Through, the event celebrated the journey to recovery and the different paths we take to get there.
Lauren shared how her own experiences with grief and loss led her to encaustic painting, a process that uses beeswax, pigment, and heat. Art became a way to process emotions she could not always put into words. Through her collaboration with AllHealth Network, she connected with women who had received support through its services and named several pieces on display in their honor.
AllHealth Network President and CEO Bill Henricks welcomed guests and recognized Sara, Megan, Sheila, Alisa, and Ashley whose experiences were honored in the exhibition. Their stories gave guests a personal look at the difference compassionate mental health and substance use treatment can make. Guests explored the artwork and the accompanying stories, learning about each woman’s stoey and what had emerged through her recovery. The reception also included a drawing for an original painting by Lauren.
The program introduced the AllHealth Network Foundation’s vision for supporting behavioral health care in the community. AllHealth Network Chief Strategy and Growth Officer Jessica Dunbar outlined three priorities guiding that work: strengthening the system through investments in staff, technology and infrastructure; expanding access to care; and developing new approaches and programs to meet community needs. Guests were invited to stay connected and help make that work possible through their own involvement and support.
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came from Charity, an AllHealth Network Peer Specialist, who shared her experience living with bipolar disorder. She described initially resisting her diagnosis and treatment, then gradually finding understanding and stability through groups, individual therapy, and medication management.
Charity emphasized the importance of having providers who stayed beside her, respected her pace, and offered support without judgment.
Reflecting on what she would tell her younger self, Charity shared: “Things get better. There is a way to live with this illness without it devastating your life.”
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