New exhibition from stroke victims
A new exhibition in Dartford
reveals how stroke survivors turn their disability into
creativity.
Set to open at the Mick Jagger
Centre tonight from 6pm, Brushstrokes will feature pieces of art
created by individuals from Kent who have overcome their
disabilities caused by stroke.
It is estimated that there are
currently 32,000 stroke survivors in the county that continue to
live with the effects.
A stroke is an attack on the
brain which can take away people’s ability to speak, walk or
understand.
The exhibition at the Shepherds
Lane venue is part of a campaign by stroke survivors to
illustrate what they can achieve with the right support.
Medway resident Amber Garland
will speak at the opening and is one of the exhibitors taking
part.
She suffered a stroke at 19, now
23, Amber said: "In 2009 I suffered a serious and life threatening
stroke caused by multiple clots.
"Having been told I would never
recover my mobility and speech, I have consistently fought back and
with the help of my family, friends, skilled staff and
therapists.
"I continue to recover as much
independence as I can."
Sandra Field from the Stroke
Association added: "We see the overwhelming courage and
determination of many stroke survivors show in coping with the loss
of many important things we take for granted such as being able to
say what we are feeling or walk on our own.
"This exhibition gives us all
the chance to demonstrate the powerful ways art enables people to
express themselves."
The exhibition is free to
attend.
The gallery is open from 9:30am
to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and from 9:30am to 12:30pm on
Saturdays.
It is also open between 6pm and
9pm at the weekend.
The exhibition will continue to
March 1.
15/02/13