Recently I was called in to cover a class for one of our staff. Her messaging to me was that she wanted the participants to ‘…be proud of their work…’. With this message in mind I experienced something pretty special! Our group of participants were dabbling in the abstract space, flourishing, taking risks, sharing, questioning and moving through the immanent struggles on each of their masterpieces. It was a joy to see this happening in a small window of their day. It was a reminder to me that all of our participants come to our space for many reasons. What I have witnessed in my time here is that some are signing up to our classes to connect, to learn, to challenge old ways while trying new ways, to discover themselves, to escape the outside world and to thrive. I am super proud to say we offer a space for all of these things and the art is what brings us together. Isn’t that pretty special!!! No matter your age or your stage we have got you; what ever art or craft you aspire to try out we challenge ourselves here at NGĀ ART to deliver something special each and every time.
Term two is right in front of us and we hope our upcoming classes are enticing to our community. With some programmes finishing new ones will emerge. So please do keep an eye out on our Facebook page to see the array of classes we will be delivering for you all.
Finally, I just want to remind you all that art is not just an activity—it is a medium for transformation. For us here at NGĀ ART it opens doors to deeper conversations, contributes to emotional resilience, awakens ones inner creative and initiates community-building. On a weekly basis we see our participants experience tangible change in their lives, and the community grows stronger, more connected, and more inspired. Now that is IMPACT! Over the next few weeks keep an eye out as we start to showcase the impact of our programmes to the people of Ngāruawāhia, this is important for us as a community organisation to tell our story as there is no other space like our space and we need to celebrate this! Again, I am reminded, ‘…be proud of your work…’ and we sure are!!!
Written by Laura Millward – Centre Manager
NGĀ ART - Te Whare Toi o Ngaaruawaahia 