AN exhibition of art created by stroke survivors living in Thurrock will be on display in seven local libraries throughout January and February 2017.
The art work was made by stroke survivors and carers who attended an art therapy workshop in The Beehive on West Street. The group was organised by the Stroke Association and local art tutor, Sylvie Maney.
Sylvie Maney, 57, from Thurrock said: “Working with stroke survivors in the art class is rewarding as well as inspirational.
“The people who take part come mostly full of apprehension and with feelings of low self-esteem in terms of their expectations of what they feel they’ll be able to achieve.
They are then often surprised, delighted, and uplifted when they are able to look at their finished artwork they have produced.
“I’ve seen people’s confidence grow, not only in learning new skills in art, but in other areas of their daily lives. Producing something creative takes your mind into another world and helps put other, possibly negative, thoughts and worries on the back burner, at least for that small period of time in class.
“The rewards are many; seeing people smiling, laughing, sharing their experiences and ultimately achieving something they didn’t think they could do. Art isn’t just for an elite or select group of people, it’s for everyone to enjoy in whatever form it takes and everyone can do it, in their own personal way!”
Christine Hamilton, Information Advice and Support Coordinator from the Stroke Association, said: “We’re amazed by everyone’s artwork, each and every one of the members have made us proud.
“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.
“We’d love to see the local residents of Thurrock visit their local library to see some of the beautiful pieces.”
The art work will be on display to the general public for a week in the following libraries:
· Grays Library, 16 January 2017
· Tilbury Library, 23 January 2017
· Belhus Library, 30 January 2017
· Chadwell Library, 6 February 2017
· Corringham Library, 13 February 2017
· Stanford-Le-Hope Library, 20 February 2017
For more information about the Stroke Association and the art groups, please contact Christine Hamilton on Christine.Hamilton@stroke.org.uk or 07515 596 699.
