Stroke group members create art out of adversity
Members of Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland’s Blairgowrie group held a celebration of their art work at the town’s St Catharine’s Church Hall on Monday.
The exhibition was the culmination of a programme that has been made possible by an arts project for stroke and acquired brain injury participants run by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) in association with NHS Tayside.
The watercolour and mixed media collage programme was designed by artist Shona Barr to encourage creativity and foster an enjoyable approach to drawing and painting.
It is one of a range of art programmes for people with long-term conditions currently being delivered by THAT.
Participants in Blairgowrie have made a range of visual art work using the different techniques Shona has introduced them to.
Family members and friends were invited to visit the exhibition by group members and it was the first time that they had seen the work their loved ones have produced.
Artist Shona commented: “It has been great working with the group as they are all so keen and committed to try new things.
“I have noticed a real sense of increased confidence and surprise in their own ability as the course has gone on.”
THAT project coordinator Karine Neill said: “Shona has really challenged and inspired the group, working from a theme of nature, and the results are stunning.
“She has worked with THAT before and has been fantastic in encouraging the group to take their time, explaining the process to them and working with them to develop new skills.
“I have been doing this for 12 years now and am absolutely astounded by the quality of work produced by this group.”
THAT chair Joan Forsyth added: “This is one of the best exhibitions I have ever seen, it’s fantastic and they have all done really well in a relatively short space of time.
“The quality of work they have achieved is amazing, and consistently good throughout the group.
“The textures are wonderful and hopefully seeing their work in an exhibition like this will be a real boost to those who took part in the programme.”
Members of the group said that they were fortunate to have been supported by the project and that they have enjoyed the range of programmes over the years.
I have noticed a real sense of confidence and surprise in their own abilities