Strokes For Strokes

American Heart Association Hosting Art Therapy for Stroke Survivors

The program is designed to help patient recovery through therapeutic art instruction. Dr. George and Sandra Bakowski Foundation are sponsoring “Strokes for Strokes” on Saturday (Aug 24) from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at East Bank Gallery, 630 Barksdale Blvd. in Bossier City.

Northwest Louisiana stroke survivors will have the opportunity to express themselves through art in the American Heart Association’s Strokes for Stroke art therapy class for stroke survivors. Participants in the Strokes For Stroke classes will personalize their own version of a painting that will later be on display for the community in a traveling exhibit. Details on the exhibition will be announced at a later date.

Space is limited, and survivors should sign up by calling Lori Russell at 225-666-4293 or emailing lori.russell@heart.org. All materials are provided.

Strokes for Stroke provides art classes to stroke survivors. This program recognizes local individuals who have shown invincible strength, resilience, perseverance, and aptitude in their fight against Stroke. Art therapy is used as one method to help stroke patients recover. Creating images uses the physical and cognitive sides of the brain, and making art combines the two. Art therapy has shown an early promise in assisting the patient with recovery issues such as verbal communication, depression, and the physical pain associated with Stroke.

“It is important to find recovery tools that can stimulate and inspire the patient, and we know that painting achieves that,” said a representative from East Bank Gallery. “We are excited to participate in this program with the American Heart Association and show the community just how far patients have come in their recovery.”

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States; however, it remains a leading cause of permanent adult disability. While traditional therapy helps a stroke patient regain mobility and brain function, art therapy has been found to help fight depression and anxiety during stroke recovery. Art therapy can also stimulate the brain’s ability to adjust and form new pathways after Stroke. It also offers a new form of expression for someone who has lost individual skills.