Seeking Serenity: Living the Mission through Artistic Expression

Jackie Baird Donoghue ’16, Notre Dame Preparatory School’s Social Media Manager, is a documentary photographer who recently earned her Master of Fine Arts in Photography + Media & Society from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). There, Jackie completed her thesis project, Seeking Serenity, a deeply personal and immersive exploration of addiction recovery, spirituality, and human connection.

Rooted in the work of The Helping Up Mission (HUM) in Baltimore, Seeking Serenity captures the profound role that spiritual transformation plays in the recovery journey. Through striking photography and intimate storytelling, the project highlights the resilience of individuals rebuilding their lives, emphasizing moments of healing, self-discovery, and renewal. More than a documentation of struggle, Seeking Serenity is a meditation on hope—the quiet strength found in surrender, the peace that comes with community, and the personal awakenings that shape the path forward.

HUM’s commitment to holistic recovery has been at the heart of this project. Their staff, volunteers, and clients embody a deep sense of compassion, service, and transformation, and their presence is woven into every image and story. For Jackie, this project was not just about capturing recovery but experiencing the profound spiritual connections that emerge in spaces of healing.

To experience Seeking Serenity in full, visit jackiebaird.com/seeking-serenity.