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“It’s the best medicine,” says Janice Thompsett, as she dabs away with a paintbrush.
“You can get lost in it. It’s very beneficial.”
Thompsett is one of several regulars at Art and Wellness, a new programme run by the Marlborough Primary Health Organisation.
Artist and health coach Chris Betts takes the course, which aims to help Marlburians manage anxiety, low moods and self-esteem.
“This is art and wellness, there are no skills needed and this is where the magic is at,” Betts says.
“We look at colours, and we discuss what emotions you associate with these colours.
“Colours can vary a lot in what they mean to us. So reds are very, very interesting, and it can go both ways; it can mean love, it can mean danger. Green can mean envy, but green can mean life.”
Betts says there are many positives to be gained from using art as a therapeutic medium, and its has proven beneficial for both physical and mental health issues.
“It can help with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and heart problems, which is a win, it also helps reduce cortisone, which is a stress hormone and when our body releases that it affects our immune system in a negative way.
“It’s a friendly, safe environment, and it engages conversation, lowers blood pressure, enables social connections, it’s just a win all round.
Anthony Phelps/STUFF
Health coach and artist Chris Betts says the aim is for people to develop skills they can take away with them.
“It can also reawaken old skills that have laid dormant for a long while, and it gives people who have a very, very busy world the time just to be creative.”
Thompsett says she finds the group so beneficial, her family has noticed and agreed to re-roster her grandchildren-babysitting duties so she can attend the fortnightly classes.
“I think it’s great. I can come in here feeling pretty low and anxious and depressed, and that all blows out of you because it’s just so good, it’s such a good therapy.
Anthony Phelps/STUFF
A screen with the sights and sounds of a tranquil waterway adds to the relaxed atmosphere of the class.
“I went to see my doctor yesterday and I said to her how much it’s helping me, and once Chris says the hour’s up I’m like ‘oh no, it’s gone too fast’.
“My husband has seen it’s really beneficial too … he’s finishing work early every second Thursday, so I can come here.”
Thompsett says the classes have lit a spark and inspire her to be more creative in everyday life.
“It has become a bit of a passion, and I now go to the (Marlborough) Art Society when I’ve got the time.
“I’ve put a collage I did up in my sewing room, and the one we did last week, I framed it yesterday, so it’s very inspiring and calming.
Anthony Phelps/STUFF
The class helps people to explore their emotions through the use of colours.
“And at home I have a sketch pad there now, so if I have a moment I’ll pick it up and do something.”
Across the table, Haleigh Brooks says being able to express her emotions through art is like “getting something off your chest”.
John Craighead is also clearly enjoying himself, with paintbrush in hand. The former district councillor and president of Grey Power says after retiring due to ill health, it was his GP who suggested joining the group to do “something different”.
Anthony Phelps/STUFF/Marlborough Express
Norah Blowers, centre, talks to Betts about her work while Haleigh Brooks, right, says expressing her emotions through art is like “getting something off your chest.”
“I’m not very mobile, so it’s nice to engage in activities like this.
“And it’s nice being able to take this work home, and my grandchildren will be coming over for a meal tonight, so they’ll be observing my artistic flair,” he laughs.
Betts says he one day hopes to be able to showcase the artistic talents of the group.
“We’d love to get it up somewhere people can see the work; the stuff they’re putting down is just phenomenal, it really, really is.”
Anyone interested in joining the classes can ask to be referred by their GP or health coaches.
RNZ
Arts Access Aotearoa was established in 1995, its mission to increase access to the arts for people who experience barriers to participation as artists, performers, audience members, and gallery and museum visitors. (Audio broadcast April 2023).
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