Artwork goes on display at Belper Library

The exhibition, organised by the Stroke Association, will showcase the works of stroke survivors from across the East Midlands. The pieces on display include watercolours and pencil drawings which have been created individually and by people who attend Stroke Association voluntary art groups, Art 4 Stroke Folk.

Among the artwork displayed will be pieces created by Carolyn Green, 56 from Parwich. Carolyn had a severe stroke in 2008 at the age of 49, which left her in hospital for 16 weeks with weakness in her right arm and leg, communication problems and fatigue.

Arts and crafts have played a huge part in Carolyn’s recovery. Carolyn has taught herself to do everything with her non-dominant left arm. Carolyn started attending a weekly art group at Parwich Village Hall to help reduce social isolation, which she still attends to this day.

Carolyn said: “Arts and crafts have been a type of release for me after my stroke and it enables me to join in with other people. It’s great that stroke survivors will have their artwork displayed at Belper Library and I’m hoping lots of people will come and see the work we’ve created.”

The artwork will be displayed until May 7, and is free to members of the public.

The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading stroke charity. For more information about stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk

Julie Bowler from the Stroke Association, added: “Art therapy can help stroke survivors build on their confidence and express themselves in new ways. We see the overwhelming courage and determination many stroke survivors show in coping with the loss of many things we take for granted, such as being able to say what we are feeling or walk on our own. This exhibition gives us the chance to demonstrate the powerful ways art enables people to express themselves. We hope to see lots of members of the public at the exhibition this Action on Stroke Month, where they can admire the artwork created.”