Brain injury alliance CT Support Group
creative projects
At Inspire Arts, we are dedicated to empowering brain injury survivors, their loved ones, and staff who support them. Our monthly support groups located in Bethany and Avon, Connecticut, include an art-based activity and fosters a sense of community for all who attend. The creative arts allow some individuals, with expressive aphasia for example, to communicate through the medium of visual art rather than having to depend on verbalization. These are just a few of the many collaborative art projects that have been produced through our support group.
To learn more please visit: https://biact.org/get-help-now/support-groups/
If you are interested in joining one of our support groups please contact us!
When huge groups of starlings swirl across the sky in beautiful shapes, it is called a murmuration. A change in a single starling can affect every other starling. Similarly, someone’s happiness can be affected by their surroundings. Our artists gathered to discuss what affects happiness. Using this as a place to create from each artist made a single starling of their own. This piece conveys the artists impact on one another, as they grow and create together.
October 2023
materials: paper and paint.
Memory challenges can be common after brain injury, we combined this subject with a creative project using elements from nature. Everyone shared obstacles and strategies to address memory issues. Significant memories in nature were also expressed as we printed with paint and leaves. The final pieces were assembled together for a beautiful presentation.
May 2024
materials: acrylic paint, paper, leaves, plants
Fatigue can be common after brain injury, as many as 70% of survivors of TBI complain of mental fatigue. At this support group we learned about a type of sculpture called relief, a method in which sculpted pieces remain attached to a solid background of the same material. Everyone drew from their own interests in what they wanted to sculpt. We used different tools to shape and carve into clay tiles which fit together into this collaborative piece.
August 2024
materials: air dry clay, clay tools
Our focus at this gathering was on personal strengths, and how they contribute positively to our relationships, work, and several aspects of our life. Beautiful pouring paint colors were used then stamped with balloons to represent the many unique strengths of each individual.
February 2025
materials: canvas, acrylic paint, pouring medium, balloons
This collaborative group project supports sensory awareness, the practice of mindfulness, and encourages emotional expression. After we listened to a tune by Herbie Hancock everyone interpreted what they heard through yarn art. Each piece became a note on a collaborative sheet of music that now hangs in our studio.
November 2025
materials: cardboard, yarn, sticky paper.
Everyone received 2-3 squares and colored them in, in any way they chose. After finishing, each person placed their art according to the number on the back of the paper, and were then asked a “get to know you” question. A little quiet time to start followed by a lively discussion revealed… Starry Night!
June 2026
materials: paper, and oils pastels.
