Participants in Kane County Specialty Courts Share Stories of Recovery Through Art
For several hours, the jury room inside the Kane County Judicial Center looked less like a waiting room and more like an art gallery.
More than 50 pieces of artwork including paintings, sculptures, poems and mixed media filled the room, all created by participants in Kane County's specialty courts, also known as problem-solving courts. The programs, which include Adult Drug Court, Treatment Alternative Court, Veterans Treatment Court and DUI Treatment Court, offer alternatives to incarceration for individuals dealing with substance use and mental health disorders. 
The courts combine treatment, supervision and support services to address the root causes of criminal behavior, with the goal of long-term recovery and reduced recidivism. Art therapy is one of the tools used to help participants process their experiences and express their progress.
For Jessica, one of the program's participants, the exhibit was deeply personal.
Now sober and nearing the end of breast cancer treatment, she displayed a painting of pink roses accented with small blue flowers and surrounded by handwritten quotes. The pink symbolizes breast cancer awareness and survival. The blue represents recovery.
She collects quotes, she said, as reminders to keep going.
“They're little nuggets of wisdom that help you refocus and remind you of your inner strength," Jessica said. “When you feel like things can't get worse, a good quote helps you reset."
Reflecting on her journey through Kane County's treatment court, she added, “It's something you never want to go through, but it's something I needed. It saved my life."
The artwork on display came from both current and former participants, each piece representing a moment, a struggle or a milestone in recovery.
Philip Wessel, Deputy Director of Kane County Court Services, said participation in the art show is voluntary but often meaningful.
“Art works can do wonders for people in recovery," Wessel said. “It gives them an outlet and many of the pieces you see here today reflect a specific part of their journey."
The event drew family members, friends and community leaders, all gathered to support the artists and celebrate their progress.
Learn more about Kane County's specialty courts at
http://courtservices.countyofkane.org/Pages/Specialty-Courts.aspx
