Artists support Auction for Stroke Programme

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Artists support Auction for Stroke Programme

A partnership between Māpura Studios and Rotary Club of Mt Eden sees a charity art auction at Pah Homestead on Saturday 28 May to raise funds for a highly effective Visual Art Therapy Programme which supports recovery from the trauma of Stroke.

Internationally acclaimed Sculptor Virginia King is supporting the cause by offering her work for the auction.

“I visited Māpura’s exhibition of stroke artists at Studio One last year and was impressed by their work” says Virginia. “I’m very happy to support the Māpura artist's programme in this way and hope people get behind the fund raising auction.”

Other renowned contributing artists include: Mary McIntyre, Elizabeth Thomson, Michael Smither, Jacqueline Fahey, Stuart Shepherd, Glen Hayward, Brett Graham, Sue Daley, Chris Knox, Ronnie van Hout, Gareth Price, Gerda Lennards, Shane Hartdegen, Lindsay Missen, Katherine Smyth, Patrick Lundberg and more.

9000 people in New Zealand are affected by Stroke each year, with many losing cognitive and/or physical ability, loss or confusion of speech (Aphasia). This affects different aspects of life – changing roles and relationships, financial situations and can lead to anxiety, depression, lethargy and loss of a sense of identity. The impact on individuals and families can be devastating. Furthermore, current health rehabilitation only focuses on physical aspects.

Māpura Studios is an inclusive creative space in Fowlds Park, St Lukes, offering an innovative and unique programme of visual art therapy for people who have experienced a Stroke. Skilled Art Therapists and fine art tutors engage participants in the artmaking process to give expression to the complex range of physical, emotional and mental experience a person has as a result of the trauma of Stroke – towards regaining a sense of purpose and self-worth, developing skills, self-expression and wellbeing.

Participants report a decrease in anxiety and depression and increased optimism and desire to re-engage with life. Some participants continue go on to identify as artists and exhibit their work through Māpura Studios exhibition programme.

Māpura Studios receives no government funding. It is only through fundraising that these and other art programmes for people with diverse and often complex disabilities can be delivered.

An online auction of some artworks will open two weeks prior to the main event at Pah Homestead on Saturday 28 May. All works can be viewed online fromMonday 16 May and a printed catalogue is also available. Register your interest and receive updates by contacting Māpura Studios 09 845 5361www.mapurastudios.org.nz info@mapurastudios.org.nz

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