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

Press release -

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

Inspirational art work created by stroke survivors from across West Kent were on public display at Allington Library on Tuesday 6 November.

The art work has been created by a group of stroke survivors who attend art therapy workshops set up by the Stroke Association in Maidstone. Stroke survivors from the Brush Strokes Art Group attend workshops to explore different artistic techniques, such as watercolours and pastels.

Stroke survivor Natalie Baker, 51, from Maidstone, is one of the artists with work on display. Natalie had a stroke in 2013 when she was 46. The stroke left Natalie with weakness down the left side of her body. Bruce has always enjoyed art, but afterher stroke he had to learn how to use his left hand to paint again.

Natalie said: “Coming along to the art group has really boosted my confidence and I feel inspired to try new things. I’ve always enjoyed art, but I’m now flying with it and have started making and selling my own cards too!”

Tara Galloway, Head of Stroke Support from the Stroke Association said: “We’re amazed by everyone’s artwork, but in particular the beautiful artwork Natalie has created and the winning picture from the Stroke Associations Christmas card competition by Steven Ferrari. Art therapy has given Natalie a new lease of life and it is now much more than a hobby, it is essential therapy for her.

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

For more information about Brush Strokes Art Group, please contact Tara Galloway on tara.galloway@stroke.org.uk or 07515596969.

Topics

  • 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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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

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