​Art after stroke: exhibition showcases the work of local stroke survivors

Inspirational art work created by stroke survivors from across Sheffield will be on public display at the Harland Cafe on John Street, Sheffield throughout October.

The art work has been created by stroke survivors who attend the Sheffield Touch of Colour Stroke Group. The Stroke Association voluntary group meets each month to explore different artistic techniques, to help rebuild lives after stroke.

Originally an art course run by the Stroke Association, the art group became Sheffield Touch of Colour in April 2018, run by the charity's volunteers in the area. After being awarded a One Stop Carriers for Causes grant, the art group were able to purchase more art equipment and stage the exhibition.

Each group member will have at least one piece of artwork framed and displayed at the Harland Café throughout the month.

Carole Clarke, Group Secretary from Sheffield Touch of Colour Stroke Group, said: "The group itself is very friendly and informal and our members enjoy trying different types of art techniques while meeting with friends. The group is led by Maggie Macdougall, who is not only our Chair, she is our resident art tutor and inspires us all. Our members love the guidance and encouragement she gives them.

"We see the exhibition as a celebration of our group's hard work and commitment. We'd would love to see lots of members of the local community visiting the display throughout the month."

Stroke survivor Jacky Baldwin, 65 from Sheffield, had two strokes which affected her physically and emotionally, leaving her with debilitating anxiety. Taking part in the Stroke Association art course helped Jacky return to a hobby she loved.

Jacky said: “Arts and craft had been a love of mine since school. The art course gave me the confidence to start to go to places on my own again. It was even my incentive to go back to driving. My stroke recovery has been a long road and I continue to work really hard to overcome my anxiety. The art group has been my saviour and I don’t know where I’d be without it. When I paint, I immerse myself in the picture; it’s pure escapism.”

Barrie Grubb, 73, also from Sheffield, had a stroke in 2015 which affected the movement in his right side and initially left him unable to speak. He discovered a new-found love of art and now volunteers at Sheffield Touch of Colour as a committee member.

He said: "I had never done art before but now I really enjoy it, as well as making some lifelong friends at the group. I also produce at least one painting a week, many of which I sell to raise money for Sheffield Touch of Colour and the Stroke Association."

Samantha Jones, Head of Stroke Support from the Stroke Association said: “We’re amazed by everyone’s beautiful artwork. Art therapy can give stroke survivors a new lease of life and is now much more than a hobby, it is essential therapy.

"Art therapy can help stroke survivors build confidence and express themselves in new ways. We see the overwhelming courage and determination many stroke survivors show in coping with the loss of different skills that we take for granted.”

The artwork created by the group will be shown at the Harland Cafe on John Street, Sheffield throughout October.

The Sheffield Touch of Colour Stroke Group meets on the second and third Monday of every month at The Jesus Centre, 93 Broomspring Lane, Sheffield, from 1:30pm-3:30pm. For more information, please contact Maggie Macdougall on 07707474591 or email touchofcoloursheffield@outlook.com.