Tony Steward liked to control things.

That was part of his problem.

Once he let go and began to trust people who wanted to help his life took a turn for the good and not only led to his sobriety but to a work of art that’s now part of CARE of Southeastern Michigan’s collection in the Detroit Institute of Arts’ 16th Annual Community Group Art Exhibition on display through Jan. 5.

“This is me letting go,” Steward said, of his painting inspired by the University of Michigan football team. “They are the national champions for football, and I am a champion for sobriety.”

Go Blue as Steward’s work is titled is one of more than 100 pieces submitted by human service agencies throughout Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties who partner with DIA annually for the exhibit.

The program that pairs studio instructors with human service agencies and their clients in a safe, nurturing space for creative expression started 25 years ago. However, after seeing the amazing work being created, organizers decided to bring it all together in a show. Now it’s an annual exhibit that follows a theme that coincides with other DIA exhibits like the Art of Dining showing now.

Projects in the exhibit range from paper masks and ceramic footprints to acrylic paintings and wooden sculptures.

The collection as a whole exemplifies the transformative power of art. But each piece also tells a unique story, reflecting the creativity, dedication, and personal growth of its creators as well as the connections and relationships that have been made in the process.

“Most of the artwork is created in our studios,” said Natalie Barmore of Harper Woods and among the artists at the DIA involved in the program.

“Like Drawing in the Galleries or the Drop In Workshops, it’s another opportunity for people to connect with the DIA,” Barmore said, referring to several other programs the museum offers to the public.

Pieces in this year’s exhibit will be on display in the Learning Center at the DIA, adjacent to the DIA’s Artmaking Studio, where most of the work was made.

CARE of Southeastern Michigan in Fraser was one of several groups that participated in this year’s exhibit.

Other participating groups include:

• ACCESS Hope House

• Detroit Recovery Project

• Hannan Center

• John D. Dingell VA Medical Center

• Mariners Inn

• MCCMH (Macomb County Community Mental Health)

• OLHSA (Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency)

• Soul Studio, a division of Friendship Circle

“I’m so excited to be featured and grateful,” said Steward, whose work was chosen to be featured on one of three DIA Community Group Program pins and called the experience a definite morale booster.

“When you’re in recovery and someone says hello it can make your day,” he said. “Being part of this program and exhibit is like a million hellos to people who have been down.”

The 16th annual Community Group Art Exhibition is organized by the DIA and is supported by millage funding from Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

The Detroit Institute of Arts is at 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. For more information visit dia.org.