By Nicole Lemire “Art is my therapy, and the BICC is a haven for me.”
Frankie is known for his creative spirit and artistic talents, shown in the large mural painted on the back wall of the BICC (pictured left), which he spearheaded.
He believes that everyone is an artist in their own way, citing the creativity of the other members at the center, including Jeff, who is blind but helped paint the mural using his sense of touch to stay within the lines of the painter’s tape. He also gives immense credit to program director Jillian, who has introduced him to many crafts and helps inspire the group to create new things.
“I think that my brain injury has made me more creative.”
Art has always been a part of Frankie’s life, but only grew more important following his traumatic brain injury. While riding his bike, he was hit by a car, although he does not remember anything. According to doctors, he should not have survived, much less recovered to the extent that he did.
His accident impacted the right side of his brain, which is responsible for creativity, however, he doesn’t feel like he has lost that part of him, in fact, he feels the opposite.
“I think that my brain injury has made me more creative,” he said. “Before my accident, I was commissioning art for people, but now it has become something that I’m able to channel all of my emotions into.”
Art has become Frankie’s outlet to deal with the hardships that he has endured. Recently, Frankie’s son passed away, and being able to come to the BICC and create art has helped him to process his grief and lean on others in times of need.
