Creativity, Family and Recovery: The Journey of Artme

By the time she was 24, Associated Content Producer Artme knew all too well the perilous combination of underground club life, drugs and alcohol. Having been a self-proclaimed "club kid" since the age of 15, she found herself not only battling addiction but also dealing with the unhealed psychological wounds caused by rape. Artme found herself on the brink of self-destruction.

The intervention of a friend would eventually lead Artme to a place where she could begin the healing process. She would make her way to Hazelden, a non-profit organization committed to providing rehabilitative services for persons battling drug and alcohol addictions. Though she was now in a position to focus on improving her mental and physical well-being, Artme had some additional goals. "I had my mind set on getting married and settling down," she said, adding, "I wanted a baby - and a smart one at that!"

As fate would have it, Artme's desires for marriage and family would soon come to fruition. Peter, an art dealer, was also in recovery after his own battle with alcoholism. Eleven years Artme's senior, he quickly became smitten over the strikingly beautiful dancer and artist.

"He was tall, very smart... In a way, he was my knight in shining armor," Artme revealed as she reflected on how they first became acquainted during the early stages of recovery. "He kept sitting by me at meetings. I could tell he liked me. I really liked someone else much better, but he asked me out and took me to the Art Museum." That first date was the beginning of a year-long courtship.

According to Artme, she and Peter couldn't have been more opposite. "He was 'uptown', I was 'downtown'. He was one of the best teachers I ever had though." Peter even paid for Artme to receive private tutoring so that she could earn her GED.