In 2014, Macquarie University speech pathology researcher, Christine Sheard, conducted a pioneering project exploring the role of art-making and quality of life for people living with communication challenges after a stroke, known as ‘aphasia’.

One of the outcomes of the research was the establishment of ‘Visual Voices.’ This art group meet weekly at the Hearing Hub, facilitated by a volunteer team consisting of Christine and a group of artists known collectively as ArTrio – Vivien Mewing, Romny Vandoros and Karlene Wilcox.

Along with providing valuable input into the Master of Speech Pathology Clinical Education program, the group participants report that their self-expression through art has fostered new skills, new friendships, along with renewed self-esteem and identity. The success of the group has led to the artists exhibiting and selling some of their work. You may have already come across their commissioned piece, Ubuntu, that hangs in the foyer of the Department of Linguistics.

Talking Heads is their latest achievement – an exhibition of painting, drawing and mixed media from Friday 31 August until Tuesday 25 September at the Foyer Exhibition Space, 31 Victor St, Chatswood. Come along and be prepared to feel inspired:

https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/EventDetails.aspx?PageID=1892&eventid=5592

Want to know more about this project? Contact Eva Nemeth or Carmel Whitty with the Masters of Speech and Language Pathology program:

eva.nemeth@mq.edu.au
carmel.whitty@mq.edu.au
T: 9850 6877