Center for Quality of Life after Stroke
Center for Quality of Life after Stroke
Therapeutic Use of Art
The use of art in conjunction with recreational therapy aims to meet functional therapy goals using activities. Facilitating these activities in the group setting also increases socialization and communication skills among patients. Various techniques of art are utilized to improve fine motor, cognitive, emotional regulation, socialization skills among participants. A combination of mediums such as paints, paper, sculpture, textiles, and more provide a varied selection of creative expression outlets to participants. Adaptations are provided to encourage participation across all ability levels. The goal of the program is to introduce art-based activities to increase quality of life and generate interests in new hobbies after neurologic injury.
We want to learn how this program impacts quality of life over time to continue to improve it. To learn more about the research VISIT
I feel like it’s all coming together, two months ago, I never would have believed I’d say that. It [flow/creativity] just keeps going and going, and I want to learn more about where it is coming from.
Artist-in-Residence
Matthew Brasher is a community-based teaching artist born and raised in Tooele, Utah and currently residing in Salt Lake City. His passion for building meaningful connections through artmaking led him to pursue a BFA in Art Teaching from the University of Utah. Throughout his undergraduate career, Matthew designed and facilitated numerous art lessons, workshops, and grant-funded programs for community partnerships across the Salt Lake and Tooele Valleys.
His teaching philosophy is rooted in his belief in the boundless and reciprocal nature of creativity. With the proper care and environment, he has found that creativity can grow to unimaginable heights and become a powerful force for healing. His goal is to plant the seed of creativity by encouraging bravery, embracing the process, supporting creative freedom, and reinforcing growth through communication and connection.
As the Artist in Residence at the Neilsen Rehab Hospital, Matthew fosters a calm, supportive space where each individual’s inherent creativity can bloom. Through art lessons that engage both the mind and body, he aims to provide patients with a meaningful creative outlet as they set out on their journey of healing.
TRAILS: Technology Recreation Access Independence Lifestyle Sports
Participants can stay active through indoor spinning, hand cycling, kayaking, sailing, target shooting, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, swimming, and wheelchair tennis. TRAILS is designed to prepare individuals of all ability levels to engage in active living through recreational experiences. These opportunities and resources help to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and returning to the community.
