Media Release: Brush strokes – artworks by stroke survivors

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 5th of September, 2007

The latest exhibition in the Foyer of the Maroondah Art Gallery proves that there really is life after having a stroke – just a different one to what was had before.

Councillor Alex Makin opened the exhibition Brush Strokes – artworks by stroke survivors last week amidst an array of brightly coloured canvases, pottery and other handcrafts.

“The array of works on exhibition are the creation of members of the Croydon Stroke Support Group – a self-help group of volunteers who are either stroke survivors or their carers,” said Cr Makin.

The Group has been operating for over sixteen years and was instigated by Gillian Simons, a stroke survivor, who saw the need for a support group to assist stroke survivors come to terms with the devastating effects of stroke on themselves and families.

“Three years ago painting was introduced as an activity to the group with truly amazing results – and not just in the artwork!” said Cr Makin.

“Last year the group received funding from Council through the Cultural Development Grants to assist with the preparation and setting up of this exhibition,” said Cr Makin.

“Some of the collaborative pieces had up to forty people contributing to the overall work, creating a very unique piece of art,” said Cr Makin.

The groups motto: And it only takes one stroke (of a pen) to turn a negative (-) into a positive (+).

Brush Strokes – artworks by stroke survivors will be on show in the Foyer of the Maroondah Art Gallery until Saturday 29 September.

Maroondah Art Gallery is located at Maroondah Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.

Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday 12pm to 4pm. For further information telephone the Maroondah Art Gallery Curator on 9298 4542.