Daybreak’s Brush Prairie Inpatient facility is excited to share its new art mural that was designed and painted by local artist, Kerry Wilson.

Kerry has always held a passion for drawing and has used his creativity to help inspire Daybreak clients in our Brush Prairie Inpatient facility. After overcoming his own addiction, Kerry shares his own story about adversity and his own journey toward recovery.

As an early teen, Kerry remembers being bullied and turning to substances like drugs and alcohol as a way to cope. “I just wanted to fit in and have friends,” shares Kerry. “Marijuana and alcohol gave me a chance to be more social with other kids. As I became older I started skateboarding and networking more, traveling from Vancouver to Portland. That’s where I started to see graffiti on the bus and walls… I knew I wanted to do that.”

Kerry remembers running off, stealing paint with his friends, and in high school, he was expelled for graffitiing baseball fields. “By then, weed and alcohol were a daily thing. I was always looking for the newest spot to paint, drawing in my black book, or partying with my newfound friends,” says Kerry.  “It wasn’t long before I was introduced to harder drugs, got a DUI, and lost my job. I started painting walls and pieces on trains more frequently. I was in love with the art and was able to hide my drug addiction from everyone. I later stole drugs from family members thinking they would open up my creativity.”

It was later that Kerry’s family discovered paraphernalia and stolen items in his room. A restraining order was put into place, separating Kerry from his grandparents, whom he was living with at the time.

“Granny was my best friend. I was shattered! I dug deeper into my addiction and isolated myself from everyone. I was unemployable, I looked sick, I lost a lot of weight, and my art faded into the past. I wanted to get clean, but I didn’t know how. I hit rock bottom. I was stealing from stores and selling the merchandise to support my habit,” shares Kerry.

While attempting to sell stolen goods, Kerry unknowingly sold to an undercover cop and was charged with 18 felonies. After six months in county jail, Kerry entered into a Drug Offender Sentencing Program, an intense rehabilitation. 

“I prayed that night to let it all go, then woke up and was determined,” says Kerry. “I completed 60 months infraction free, moved into an Oxford House and got an awesome job in the masonry field, where I could learn, and apply my artistic eye and start a career. I was inspired to paint again.” 

Kerry shares his art is what helped him stay sober.  “My art was back in full force and better than ever! This has kept me clean and sober for 6 years and counting!”

Kerry has had many opportunities to work with other artists and he admires being a part of community mural projects. 

Now living with his wife and daughter, Kerry started a job at the Bricklayers Union. “I am blessed for all the opportunities I am given.”

Kerry’s story is relatable to the clients Daybreak serves and his artwork helps bring hope to the clients while they are in treatment. Staff and clients can witness first-hand, an art form that may not have the best reputation, but can be used to make a positive difference in their community.

Kerry’s work and story encourages clients to trust in their passion and create excellence. Daybreak is blown away by the creativity Kerry has shared with staff and clients, his story inspires us, and we are grateful for his artful contribution to our gym. Thank you Kerry! 

Daybreak invites other local artists to volunteer and help contribute to Daybreak’s Brush Prairie Inpatient facility. Contact Daybreak’s Life Enrichment Coordinator, Jerry Taylor at 360-750-9588 ex:5010 or email jtaylor@daybreakyouthservices.org.

Watch Kerry’s artwork transformation below.