On view at Downtown Art Center from April 12 through May 4, 2025, The Journey Forward: Stroke Survivors Healing Through Art featured a series of paintings and collaborative monoprints created by REHAB stroke survivors and their caregivers. Stroke survivors often face significant physical, emotional and cognitive challenges; the featured artworks explored the complexities of the stroke survivor journey, illustrating both the struggles and triumphs of stroke rehabilitation. Each piece told a different artist’s story through their own interpretation of color, texture and imagery.
Stroke recovery is a difficult journey to navigate, but at REHAB, it’s not what happens to us that defines us…it’s what we do next. The exhibition brought together REHAB’s Stroke Support Group and Creative Arts Program to explore the healing power of art on their journeys forward.
“After my stroke, thinking, speaking, problem solving and even eating were very difficult for me,” said Deborah Kobayakawa, a stroke survivor and one of the exhibition’s featured artists. “The Creative Arts Program gave me a way to process my own grief and share what I went through. Thanks to the great care I received [at REHAB], lots of support and hard work, I have made almost a full recovery.”
Watch the making of The Journey Forward
Artworks from the exhibition will be on view at REHAB’s Nuuanu campus starting in November 2025.
Stroke Rehabilitation at REHAB
Stroke is the leading cause of chronic disability in Hawaii and can greatly impact a patient’s quality of life. REHAB’s range of services addresses every aspect of the stroke recovery process, including physical, cognitive and emotional needs.
About Stroke Support Group
REHAB’s Stroke Support Group provides a space for stroke survivors, their family members and caregivers to gather with others who face similar challenges. Support group meetings may include activities like cooking tutorials, educational talks with REHAB experts (doctors, therapists, etc.), group music, games and more.
Location: REHAB Hospital of the Pacific, Frear Cafe
Frequency: First Thursday of the month
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
About the Creative Arts Program
At REHAB’s Creative Arts Program, participants are connected with others who can relate to their experiences all while learning new artistic skills. For over 30 years, the Creative Arts Program has been a celebrated resource for the community that REHAB serves.
The Creative Arts Program is right for you if you are a current or former REHAB patient with \ neurological or physical impairments (i.e. stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, etc.). All skill levels are welcome!