http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.artsforhealth.co.nz en-us Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:10:41 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/post/159454/teen-art-classes-in-hamilton-why-they-matter-more-than-ever/ Teen Art Classes in Hamilton: Why They Matter More Than EverThe teenage years are a time of enormous growth, self-discovery, and change. Teens are exploring who they are, what they value, and where they fit into the world. During this period, having a creative outlet is not just a hobby - it can be their lives.Teen art classes in Hamilton offer young people a safe, inspiring space to express themselves, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills.Why Teen Art Classes Are Essential for Growth1.... Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:28:29 +1300 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/#post159454 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/post/159252/sometimes-the-hardest-part-of-being-creative-is-starting/ Art in the Making is a relaxed, hands-on art workshop for anyone who wants to try something new, learn practical skills, and enjoy making art in a supportive space. It suits beginners, people returning to art after a long break, and anyone who feels a bit “dusty” but curious.If you’ve ever thought I’d like to do art, but I don’t know where to begin, this workshop is for you.What to expectArt in the Making runs over eight Friday morning sessions and focuses on learning by doing. Each se... Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:25:51 +1300 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/#post159252 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/post/158114/tweens-art-therapy-in-hamilton/ Children in the tween years (ages 9–12) often experience big emotional, social, and developmental changes. For some, school environments can feel overwhelming, while others struggle to express what they’re feeling with words alone. Tweens art therapy in Hamilton offers a gentle, creative way to support emotional wellbeing during this important stage of growth.At Arts for Health, our tweens art therapy sessions provide a safe, welcoming space where young people can explore creativity, build c... Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:09:26 +1300 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/#post158114 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/post/156258/homeschoolers-take-over-nzs-smallest-gallery/ Throughout this term, our 6–11 years Homeschool Art class has been learning lots of new skills and trying out different techniques. They’ve worked hard to create a fun miniature exhibition now showing at NZ’s Smallest Gallery.Each student painted their own tiny artwork and chose a character figurine to go with it. They also spent time painting on rocks, which gave them the chance to try something new and work with different textures. The final display is bright, playful, and full of their ... Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:21:36 +1300 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/#post156258 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/post/154907/winner-of-the-2025-arts-for-health-annual-art-competition/ 2025 Arts for Health Art Competition Winner Announced! The opening night of this year’s annual art competition and exhibition, Making Changes went off with a bang! With over 110 entries in the 2025 Arts for Health Art Competition, the gallery was buzzing on Thursday, 23 October, as artists, whānau, and community members gathered eagerly to hear this year’s winners announced. With six Merit Award winners and three Category winners, our judge Oliver Stewart had the challenging task ... Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:38:24 +1300 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/#post154907 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/post/152610/arts-for-healths-permanent-collection/ For the past eight years, Arts for Health has been building a permanent collection of artworks by local Hamilton artists. Each year, we purchase the winning works from our annual Arts for Health Exhibition, including acrylic paintings on canvas and selected mixed media pieces, adding to a growing collection that celebrates community creativity.This collection is more than just art on the walls. It honours the stories and achievements of everyday people, showing that creativity belongs to everyon... Tue, 23 Sep 2025 11:53:21 +1200 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/#post152610 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/post/152202/exploring-art-through-critique-a-creative-learning-experience/ As part of Adult Education Week, we held a Critique Session with local artist Dean McLeod on Friday 12 September. Open to all—beginners and experienced artists alike—the session gave participants the chance to bring their artwork, share the stories behind it, and receive constructive feedback.Artists gained insight not only from Dean but also from their peers, learning how to give and receive critiques in a supportive environment. One participant said:“I gained insight into my work that I ... Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/#post152202 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/post/152199/brave-marks-celebrating-creativity-in-our-community/ On 12 September, we proudly opened Brave Marks, a vibrant group exhibition showcasing the talents of local adults attending our term art classes. For many of the artists, this was their first ever exhibition—a milestone that made the celebration even more special. The opening was part of Adult Education Week in New Zealand and supported by ACE Aotearoa, celebrating learning, growth, and creativity in our community. The day started off with a bang, featuring speeches, laughter, and a walk throu... Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/#post152199 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/post/151173/grand-opening-of-nzs-smallest-gallery/ Today we celebrated the Grand Opening of NZ’s Smallest Gallery – a one-window art space in the heart of Hamilton.With wonderful support from our community, artists connected to Arts for Health, and even coverage from the Waikato Times, the day was a special one. We marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by nibbles and conversation.The gallery is more than just a window – it’s a reminder of what we stand for. Our goal is to bring creativity into everyday life, spark ... Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/#post151173 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/post/150813/art-therapy/ Art therapy is a proven way to support mental health and emotional well-being. By using painting, drawing, or sculpture, you can reduce stress, build confidence, and explore feelings in a safe and creative space. At Arts for Health in Hamilton, our art therapy workshops provide gentle guidance for anyone wanting to heal, grow, and connect with others.What Is Art Therapy?Art therapy blends creativity with psychological principles. With support from a trained professional, you use art to express e... Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:42:26 +1200 http://www.artsforhealth.co.nz/blog/#post150813