Witness the triumph of artistry and help prevent the No. 4 killer of Americans. In recognition of May as American Stroke Month, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association will present the first Strokes for Stroke Art Show, a showcase of works created by stroke survivors.
There will also be special tribute pieces from individuals whose loved ones have been affected by stroke. Guests can enjoy entertainment, heart-healthy appetizers, a cash bar and tunes from local writer/ DJ Arielle Stevenson. Dion Lim of WTSP-Ch. 10 emcees, and all proceeds go to the American Heart Association and Stroke Association. If you'd like a tutorial on the warning signs of strokes, an enlightening interactive exhibit will be presented by Verizon, presenting sponsor of the event too.
Stroke survivors and artists include the 11-year-old Christian Daigle, who had a severe ischemic stroke at 7. He painted a stunning four-piece Hawaiian collection for the show (one of the works is pictured above).
Among the works on display is the the white tiger pictured right, a cross stitch by Teresa Moise, a retired math teacher and tax returns preparer who had a stroke in 2005 and was paralyzed on the left side of her body. She has slowly learned to walk again and to do everything with her left hand. She does all of her incredibly detailed cross stitching now with just her left hand. Many of her pieces are made for her grandchildren.
Artist/survivor John Dingman, whose acrylic is pictured left, always loved and excelled at art in high school. In 2004, he suffered a stroke and lost his speech and the use of his right arm — but not his spirit and determination, according to his family.
After a year of therapy, his speech therapist at the time suggested art as a way to combat boredom. John was nervous to pick up art again because he had been righthanded person and could only use his left hand now. He started sketching and before long he was taking classes and trying different techniques. John has not completely regained the use of his right arm and he is learning to live with Aphasia, a communication disorder that affects the loss of words but not intellect.
John's former love of the outdoors and hunting shows in his many drawings of animals and landscapes.
Fri., May 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. CL Space, 1911 N 13th St Suite W200, Tampa. Suggested $5 donation at the door. Event page on Facebook.
