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*Brainbow is a metaphor for recovery by Gabor Barabas
2005 |
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This group has been established for brain injury survivors to creatively
express themselves in the company of their peers.
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For more information call Melanie at Supported Lifestyles
261-8724 ext 228. |
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Art Wellness Group for Individuals with an Acquired Brain Injury |
This is an interactive art group for individuals with acquired brain injuries. It
is a place where artists can meet on a weekly basis to enjoy their choice of medium
in the comfort and support of other artists. This group benefits our clientele in
many ways.
Social: Because it is a group of
peers with a common interest, it serves as a social interactive place as well as
a spiritual relaxing place. It is supportive, motivating and safe allowing for trust,
responsibility and confidence to grow.
Emotional: Many people with brain
injuries have lost confidence and have trouble fitting into "the world" after their
trauma. Art is a great expression of self and can assist in conveying ideas indivduals
may have trouble expressing any other way. It helps them rediscover themselves.
After a head injury many people's lives are no longer the same so art can act as
a quide to help them deal with and possibly identify the emotions they are going
through.
Physical: Many people after a brain
injury simply do not want to go out. They may spend days just staying at home and
not taking part in any physical activity. This group can encourage an individual
to just get out of the house. When someone has a group they are expected to attend
thhis will often be motivation enough to get them out and moving.
The literature reports a growing interest in the benefits of combining art and health.
Recently (June 22 - 25, 2005) Edmonton hosted the first International Conference
on the Arts in Healthcare, in collaboration with the Society for the Arts in Healthcare
(SAH) (www.theSAH.org). SAH is a non-profit organization
operating out of Washington DC. Their website states that "Arts in Healthcare is
blossoming in Canada, with a particular hotbed in Edmonton". It goes on to mention
some of the various programs that Edmonton has been working on throughout the last
few years; "Artists on the Wards"," McMullen Art Gallery", "Arts in Medicine", and
"Tapestry", just to mention a few. It also sites may other links to programs in
the US, as well as research, that supports the therapeutic benefits of the collaboration
of art and healthcare.
It is also noteworthy t mention the Creative Growth Art Center Gallery in Oakland
California
(www.creativegrowth.org).
It was founded in 1980 being the first estabblished gallery for artists with disabilities
in the world. They have provided a good model/guide for new Gallieries opening up
here in Alberta such as the Nina Haggerty Center for the Arts in Edmonton,
www.ninahaggertyart.caestablished
in 2003, and Studio C here in Calgary (#9, 100 7th Ave. S.W.
www.artcentral.ca
or 269-1838) who recently had its grand opening in June, 2005. The Nina Haggerty
Center for the Arts includes art from individuals involved in the Alberta Artists
with Brain Injury Society.
Goals and Objectives:
* To assist brain injured adults to be more active in their community.
* To encourage artistic, emotional and spiritual expression thus benefiting mental
health and
quality of life.
* To encourage social interaction among peers.
* To open up possibilities of potential employment (or self employment).
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You’re Invited To
Attitude INK’s 3rd Annual Gallery
Showing Thursday June 12th, 2008 4pm – 8pm
Inglewood 1914-9Ave SE; Calgary, AB 261-8724 Ext. #1
Across from Blackfoot Truck Stop and Colonel Walker School
Bus Route 1
Raffle * Refreshments * Silent Auction
This group has been established for brain injury survivors to creatively express
themselves in the company of their peers.
*Brainbow is a metaphor for recovery by Gabor Barabas 2005