Press release -
Art exhibition comes to Belper to celebrate Action on Stroke Month
Artwork created by stroke survivors will be the focus of a new travelling art exhibition displayed at Belper Library from Friday 24 April – Thursday 7th May, to celebrate the launch of Action on Stroke Month this May.
The exhibition, organised by the Stroke Association, will showcase the works of stroke survivors from across the East Midlands. The pieces on display include watercolours and pencil drawings which have been created individually and by people who attend Stroke Association voluntary art groups, Art 4 Stroke Folk.
Among the artwork displayed will be pieces created by Carolyn Green, 56 from Parwich. Carolyn had a severe stroke in 2008 at the age of 49, which left her in hospital for 16 weeks with weakness in her right arm and leg, communication problems and fatigue.
Arts and crafts have played a huge part in Carolyn’s recovery. Remarkably, Carolyn has taught herself to do everything with her non-dominant left arm. Carolyn started attending a weekly art group at Parwich Village Hall to help reduce social isolation, which she still attends to this day. Now, she produces handmade cards and mixed media pieces, and has recently dabbled with watercolours for the first time in her life. She sells her handmade cards and donates some of the funds to the Stroke Association.
Carolyn said: “Arts and crafts have been a type of release for me after my stroke and it enables me to join in with other people. It’s great that stroke survivors will have their artwork displayed at Belper Library and I’m hoping lots of people will come and see the work we’ve created.”
Julie Bowler from the Stroke Association, added: “Art therapy can help stroke survivors build on their confidence and express themselves in new ways. We see the overwhelming courage and determination many stroke survivors show in coping with the loss of many things we take for granted, such as being able to say what we are feeling or walk on our own. This exhibition gives us the chance to demonstrate the powerful ways art enables people to express themselves. We hope to see lots of members of the public at the exhibition this Action on Stroke Month, where they can admire the artwork created.”
The artwork will be displayed at Belper Library, 105 Bridge Street, Belper from Friday 24 April – Thursday 7th May, and is free to members of the public.
The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading stroke charity which campaigns to improve stroke care; supports people to make the best recovery they can; and funds ground-breaking research to change the lives of people affected by stroke. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
