WORCESTER, Mass. - Positivity. Healing. Reflection. It's the message Spectrum Health Systems looks to convey with their new art installation. All of the paintings hanging on their walls have been touched in some way by addiction.

"I have a very close family member who has had an addiction problem for many years," said artist Ella Delyanis. "Luckily that person is now in a sustained recovery and doing very well which I'm very happy about."

Delyanis painted one of the scenes now hanging in the Main Street facility as part of the exhibit "Artists Touched by Addiction." Delyanis is hoping her piece can be a difference-maker for the people getting treatment.

"Art is uplifting for most of us," said Delyanis. "I'm hoping that whatever art is here serves that purpose. That it's optimistic and forward-looking for people."

Spectrum Health Services partnered with Juniper Rag on the initiative. Juniper Rag is an organization looking to elevate local artists and their work. Co-founder Michelle May says there are healing qualities to art, and she hopes those qualities are on full display.

"Even spending one moment at art can lower your blood pressure and make you feel better," said May. "And hopefully the statement will elevate that feeling a little more."

Pieces from more than a dozen artists will permanently hang inside the location. Next to each one is a page with the artists' background, and their story surrounding addiction. 

Program Director Alexa Burnham says patients are already spending time in front of the art.

"I'm hoping over time as they can read the artists' bios, that they can understand that this is more than just buying artwork because we liked it," Burnham said. "It's because we liked it, and there's meaningful stories behind it that they can connect with."

Spectrum Health's message is there is always hope.

"Hopefully, folks can maybe explore another part of themselves to get their creative side out to hopefully think about different ways to help them recover," said Burnham.