‘Feel alive’: How alternative form of therapy is changing lives

Two Toowoomba organisations have collaborated to offer a unique way to handle the weight of trauma, stress and emotion. Details here.

Just a few strokes of paint on canvas has the power to bear the weight of trauma and stress, as participants of an art therapy program recently discovered.

Momentum Mental Health recently collaborated with The Write Gallery, which is part of Emma Mactaggart’s youth literacy organisation The Lighthouse Toowoomba, to deliver three art therapy sessions.

Lighthouse director Bronte Geitz with the Art Therapy exhibition at The Lighthouse Toowoomba. Thursday, June 23, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The Write Gallery director Bronte Geitz said art therapy was proven to assist people in the healing process, by helping them navigate through trauma, emotions, self-awareness and stress.

“To be part of something making such a huge impact was incredible – nothing makes you feel more alive than having people creating in a space that’s displaying art,” she said.

“Sometimes, people think galleries are supposed to be super quiet, so it’s really nice to see art being created in this space and people being loud and messy and ridiculous.”

More than 20 people participated and explored a range of mediums like crayons, paint and weaving, to express their creativity.

Community members Emma Mort (left) and Kathleen Kelly involved with the community embroidery at The Lighthouse Toowoomba. Thursday, June 23, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

With no blank wall space in sight, the artworks are currently being showcased at The Write Gallery and will be available for the public to view until July 8.

The gallery will also be hosting several free children’s workshops, as part of its school holiday program.