“Fellowship” by Dustin Hunt // Summer 2021

2400 East McNichols Road // Detroit, Michigan

Approximately 55’ W X 15’ H // latex and spray paint

When Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and City Walls Detroit put out a call for artists impacted by addiction and substance dependency to paint murals designed to inspire and instill hope around the subject, Muralmatics founder Dustin Hunt hopped on the opportunity. His idea was to depict an intergenerational group sitting with one another, listening to each other share their experience, strength, and hope, as is done in 12-step recovery meetings. Having been a part of hundreds of meetings as a long-time member of Al-Anon, Dustin was thrilled when he got the call that his proposal was selected for National Recovery Month. Addiction devastates the people directly impacted, along with friends and family members too. Although Dustin was introduced to recovery at a young age, he is still living with and unpacking the effects of addiction as it influenced his outlook on life during his formative years. Just as addiction is a force to be reckoned with, so too is recovery. This mural aims to show the impact recovery has on people as well, children included. Dustin is eternally grateful to his mom and step-dad, who coincidentally celebrated their 25th and 28th year of sobriety the week this mural was painted. Because of their commitment to recovery, they altered the trajectory of an entire family for the better.

V.W. Photography captured some of the magic along the way.

This project was made possible with support from Vital Strategies.