(Pictured: members of the Aronui Art Therapy group)
For Hiwa-i-te-rangi counsellor Sam Glen, art and music have always been more than hobbies, they’ve been lifelines.
He remembers his teenage years, coming home after school to lose himself in song lyrics and poetry. “I’d read the lyrics, try to write my own, and that’s what kept me sane,” he says. “It was the best way I found to process things.”
Now, Sam facilitates Aronui, a therapeutic arts group for people who have experienced harm from addiction or mild mental health challenges. Every Monday morning, participants gather to explore their emotions through painting, poetry, music, writing, and more. No artistic skill is required, only a willingness to express, reflect, and grow.
“Creative expression is powerful,” says Sam. “You don’t need to have any ability. Everyone finds their own medium or style. You can express anger, sadness, personal stuff, whatever you need to, without hurting anyone. Art gives you that safe space.”
The group, he says, has built something special.
“There’s a lot of trust there. People are really vulnerable, which has been amazing to see. I was nervous at the start, but it’s really come into its own. We get people from all walks of life. I love seeing someone new come in, shy and quiet, and then start to come out of their shell.”
For Sam, art and music were also his own paths to healing.
“They helped me get through growing up around violence, breakups, deaths,” he shares. “I had an addiction to opioids too. I actually learned more about opioid withdrawal from song lyrics than I did from the hospital.”
Today, Sam encourages participants to experiment, from crayons to sculpture, and discover what resonates for them.
“I see people process what’s going on for them or what’s happened in the past,” he says. “Monday is my favourite day at work because it’s art therapy day. It’s such a nice way to start the week.”
About Aronui
Aronui is a therapeutic arts group for people who have experienced harm from addiction and/or mild mental health challenges. Participants use various art forms - painting, drawing, poetry, music, and writing - as tools for healing, understanding, and self-expression.
No prior art experience is needed, just an open mind and heart.
🕘 Mondays (except public holidays), 10:30am–12pm
📍 Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu, 56 Thomson Street, Invercargill
