At a Stroke group displays artwork

Kaitaia’s At a Stroke art therapy group, which meets weekly under the tutelage of multimedia exponent Jen Gay, which aids the rehabilitation of people who have suffered a stroke, has mounted its first exhibition in The Art Space at Te Ahu.

Members learn techniques ranging from felting and mosaic work to pottery, drawing and carving. They also study the theory of art, and have attended films and exhibitions by and about local and international artists, Jen saying they had noticed improvement of “residual deficits” left by their illness.

“One member has noted improvements in colour perception and manual dexterity, and another has become confident in using her left, non-dominant hand to substitute for her paralysed right hand,” she said.

“Many members have seen improvements in the depression and anxiety that often follow such an episode.”

Lois Stather-Dunn, who joined the group about a year ago, said she had been forced into a major rethink of lifestyle issues, and had lost her career in medicine.

“I wish something like this group had been available to me earlier in the process,” she said.

She had been adds surprised by the improvements she had experienced more than a decade after her stroke.

“I have seen improvements in spatial orientation, mood and dexterity, and my drawing has improved!” she added.

Jen, who has long been committed to community art projects and believes in the therapeutic benefits or art, said she was delighted to be able to offer the service, thanks to a bequest from relatives of a stroke victim.

Membership, which was free, was open to anyone who had suffered a stroke. Contact Jen on (0210) 588-890 for more information.

at Te Ahu.

the new exhibition