Art Classes Provide 'Amazing' Outlet for Homeless in Auckland
Art show spotlights creations by those without homes (3 min 42 sec)
A year ago at this time, Scott San Quentin found himself homeless, frequently staying in hostels and often sleeping under a bridge in Auckland.
Unable to work due to recovering from the lasting impacts of a bicycle accident that resulted in a concussion, he now has accommodation and participates in weekly art sessions at Homeground, where he expresses himself through painting.
He mentioned that it has provided him with a new mental arena. The primary advantage is that he becomes wholly absorbed in his current artistic activity, thus not preoccupied with previous events or future possibilities.
It has genuinely reduced my anxiety levels quite significantly.
Around twelve individuals join the Toi Ora Trust's complimentary weekly art sessions at Homeground, with their creations set to be auctioned off.
Eight pieces from San Quentin’s art collection will be featured in the exhibition, which can be seen at Auckland's City Mission on Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
A lot of people who join these sessions have gone through homelessness, substance abuse issues, or mental health challenges.
San Quentin said he found housing with the help of the city mission's outreach team last September, after six months on the streets.
He mentioned that he has formed strong friendships within the classes organized by Toi Ora Trust with assistance from the Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust.
"Art is a great equaliser, it doesn't matter which background or where you've come from in life you can always find common ground. That's a really good thing with the art class, it really helps you find a common thread."
Anoushka Berkley, Auckland City Mission's support pillar, mentioned that individuals from various walks of life are discovering methods to share their narratives through artistic expression.
"They're in there to find a way to express themselves creatively and as a result of it they're also building community, they're finding connections to other people," she said.
"It's been really amazing watching the different friendships. For me a measure of a good day in this space is to hear laughter."
Every week, Josh Thomson attends the sessions as a peer supporter, offering himself as an advisor and motivating the up-and-coming artists.
Since 2023, he has been on the road to recovery from addiction and understands firsthand the experience of being without a home and finding solace in creativity—specifically, through sketching.
Drawing was one of the methods I used to break free during my addiction; I truly enjoyed sketching. For me, art provided an avenue to detach from all the surrounding chaos.
Thomson mentioned that the art classes at the mission have motivated participants to venture into Auckland for creative stimulation.
The people who consistently show up every week, you'll find them in the alleyway outside, scheming about going to the museum or the library together. It’s incredible; I feel incredibly lucky to be involved in this.
Phil Tu'u is among the class attendees. He has three artworks in the exhibition and said the classes were confidence-building.
The community exudes positivity; it feels like home. Coming here is always delightful because everyone gets engaged and uplifted by each other’s talents.
As the paint brushes swipe, conversation flows.
Increased financial support for mental health required
Before the government budget announcement, San Quentin expressed his desire for increased funding towards mental health initiatives.
"There needs to be a lot more money invested in mental health. In the last 20 years in New Zealand we've seen a lot of cutbacks. I go to a lot of the community meals in the city and you can see the effects of those continued rollbacks."
He mentioned encountering individuals who slipped through the gaps and struggle to obtain the necessary healthcare or housing.
Thomson mentioned that he faced numerous obstacles when trying to obtain stable housing. He urged the government to simplify the process and allocate funds towards providing more homes for those in need.
For sure, it would revolve around housing and food security—things I have lacked in the past, which felt unattainable at the time.
Bailey Wiley, an emerging creative arts therapist with Toi Ora Trust, mentioned that during the art sessions, the challenges from the past or those anticipated for the coming days remained in the backdrop.
The creatives were discovering their voices through artistic expression.
I am deeply impressed with their artistic creations; it truly touches me how these works appear before our eyes.
She looks forward to spotting red stickers appearing on the artists' creations as the exhibition opens its doors for today and tomorrow at Homeground.
"We hope that there will be red stickers going up and we really do hope that the artworks sell because primarily the fee goes to the artists."
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