ABOUT
Art for Life provides art tuition for people living with additional needs and has existed in various forms for over twenty years, becoming a formally constituted trust in 2014.
Our Opawa studio offers a safe, friendly, and relaxed environment where students can explore painting, drawing, and mixed media alongside our Principal Art Tutor, Tracy, Art Tutor, Sarah, and our dedicated volunteer team. Step into one of our classes on any given day, and you’ll be greeted by walls alive with colour and creativity, and students happy and engaged.
At Art for Life, we’re committed to ensuring equitable and accessible opportunities for all students regardless of background, ability, or circumstance. Over the years, our tutors have nurtured a warm, inclusive community of creatives, with some students having attended classes for more than two decades.
OUR PRINCIPAL TUTOR
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Tracy brings a depth of experience to her role, combining artistic expertise with a strong background in teaching. With a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Canterbury, her passion for painting is complemented by her commitment to inclusive education.
With experience across primary and secondary education, and specialised training in special needs and English, Tracy brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to art education. Her dedication to nurturing creativity spans from exhibiting at Chambers Gallery, Christchurch, to offering personalised tutoring in her home studio. Guided by empathy and patience, she fosters an environment where students feel supported to grow creatively, reflecting the trust’s commitment to creativity, inclusion, and care.
Tracy Hay
OUR ART TUTOR
Sarah first joined Art for Life as a dedicated volunteer in 2023 and has since transitioned into a permanent tutor, bringing warmth and creativity to her sessions. Alongside her teaching, she co-runs a small business with her husband, providing educational resources to schools. A mother of two teenage boys, Sarah finds joy in gardening and offers consultation and design services to help others create beautiful outdoor spaces.
Sarah began her journey with Art for Life as a volunteer in 2023 and has since become a valued permanent tutor, known for her warmth, creativity, and engaging teaching style.
Sarah Ferguson
OUR FOUNDER
Of Chinese heritage and originally from Vietnam, Anh was among Vietnam’s “boat people” who sought refuge in 1979. She studied at Hanoi’s Art School, where her work was shaped by a strong 20th-century French artistic influence.
Anh’s passion for both art and helping others inspired her to establish Art for Life. Through her leadership, the organisation flourished, providing meaningful support and creative opportunities for many in the community.
Anh retired in 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy of compassion and creativity.
Anh Que Chu
CLASSES
Classes run from from 9.30-11.50am and 1.00-3.10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
275 Fifield Terrace, Opawa, Christchurch 8023
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All materials are provided and sessions are $25 per student per session
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Please email tutor@artforlife.org.nz
ANNUAL EXHIBITION
The highlight of the Trust’s calendar, and the most anticipated day of the year for our students, is our annual public exhibition, where our artists have the opportunity to showcase and sell their work.
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Our invitation-only Opening Night Gala celebrates the dedication and effort our artists put into preparing for the exhibition and marks the official opening of the event.
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The 2025 exhibition was held from Saturday 22 November to Sunday 23 November at the Rudolph Steiner School in Opawa, Christchurch. Featuring more than 150 works, it offered a vibrant and inspiring display of our students’ year-long efforts and a wonderful celebration of their creativity.
HOW TO SUPPORT
Our generous community plays a crucial role in enabling us to do what we do. Without their support, we wouldn't be to achieve our goals
Ongoing Donations
We greatly appreciate ongoing donations as they allow us to plan for the future.
You easily set up regular, automatic payments to our bank account
03-1594-0165316-000
Art for Life Trust
(Please include your name in the reference and label it as "Donation" for our records)
To ensure you receive a receipt at the end of the tax year, please provide us with your postal address. Thank you for your support.
One-off Donations
Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a positive to Art for Life.
We welcome online donations to our bank account
03-1594-0165316-000
Art for Life Trust
(Please include your name in the reference and label it as "Donation" for our records)
To ensure you receive a receipt at the end of the tax year, please provide us with your postal address. Thank you for your support.
Donations over $5 qualify for a tax rebate of one third of the donation at the end of the tax year.
In Kind Donations
We welcome donations in the form of art supplies, materials, and resources. If you have any products or services that you would like to donate, please send us an email with the details, and we will make arrangements to accept them.
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tutor@artforlife.org.nz
What do our students love about Art for Life? Hear it from them...
SUPPORT & GENEROSITY
Over the years, Art for Life has been fortunate to receive strong support from the Christchurch community, both in good times and during challenges such as the earthquakes and COVID-19. The organisation could not continue without the generosity of community groups, individuals, and volunteers who help deliver our services to students each week.
The Trust is supported by a volunteer board of trustees who help guide the financial and strategic direction of the organisation. The current members are pierce Crowley (Chairperson), Laura Nicholls (Treasurer / Fundraising), Arthur de Beun (Secretary). Kara Burrowes (Marketing and Social Media) and William Bury (Business Development).
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors. Their support plays a vital role in making our work possible. Without their grants, we simply would not be able to offer the creative experience that we do. Their commitment not only sustains our programmes but also helps nurture the growth, confidence, and artistic development of every person we work with. Thankyou for believing in the value of what we do.
OUR SPONSORS
