It was a year of disruption and disaster for Julie, but luckily, for some reason, it was all able to be.

Julie Hackett has successfully completed the 2011 Certificate in Art of Health here at Taruna, travelling for each of the 3 seminars from quake damaged Christchurch. At times, coming to Hawkes Bay was not completely easy for Julie, yet with a strong support network and an obvious desire and ambition, she was able to make this happen. Along with the wonderful programme content that is delivered on the Art of Health (Anthroposophical Studies), Julie was also able to enjoy the almost retreat like atmosphere at Taruna, which has to be experienced. “The care of my son always fell into place. And I am pleased that I still continued with this course. Taruna is such a wonderful supportive and nurturing environment and I enjoyed the atmosphere and peace provided on these seminars. I always found Maria and Julie (Programme director and assistant) supportive. Taruna is a beautiful place, the birdlife is amazing and the structure of the day is supportive.”

Julie first learned about Taruna, through her interest in wanting to become an early childhood teacher, drawing on the philosophies of Rudolf Steiner. As a subscriber to the magazine Organic NZ, each year Julie would receive the flyer for courses at Taruna, and finding herself in a time of transition in her own life, decided to enrol on the Certificate in Art of Health. “I found myself in a place where I wanted to dedicate some time to self-nurturance and also self-development. I wanted a course that fitted in with my life as a Mother. My motivation for this course stemmed from wanting to explore art and self-development.”

The Certificate in Art of Health (Anthroposophical studies) is NZQA approved at Level 4. As well as attending the eight day seminars at Taruna, students then complete the home-based assignment part of the programme, which includes for this programme a scholarly essay, creative response and an art project. Taruna prides itself also on the support network and friendships that are formed each year, when asked on the reality with continuing on this journey of research, Julie replied, “I felt very supported between seminars and always knew Maria was available for further clarification of assignment tasks if need be.”

Julie currently works as a Relief Assistant Teacher based at the Christchurch Rudolf Steiner Nursery and Kindergarten groups. “This course (the Certificate in Art of Health) has definitely deepened my knowledge of Rudolf Steiner Philosophy but it has also provided a deepening well inside myself which I will reap the benefits of throughout my life. Exactly what this course has provided me with I cannot say but I trust the gentle awakening which may reveal itself throughout my life.”

“If anyone is thinking of doing this course I would recommend it. It’s difficult to explain what the course is about, but you will know if you are called to it – And I would say go for it!”

My name is Cheryl Ruby. I am from Santa Cruz, California and was a student in the Art of Health course at Taruna College In 2007. I am a trained Waldorf teacher and taught kindergarten in the Davis Waldorf School in California for five years.

For the past year, I have been working with homeless women in an agricultural community in Central California. The shelter where I worked was full of art and color and each day I was reminded of how these simple gifts bring joy and a sense of well-being to those who have so little.

I have been a student of Anthroposophy for over twenty years and have always had an interest in therapeutic art. I made the decision to take Taruna’s Art of Health course after searching the globe through the internet! It was my objective to find a course that would deepen my understanding of art’s relationship to the health of the human being from an Anthroposophical perspective. I also needed to find a format that would work into my busy life! Over the years, I had heard that there were a number of talented and joyful persons in New Zealand teaching art therapy in New Zealand. I was not disappointed!

I traveled to New Zealand three times over the course of the year and studied with a group of mature, professional men and women. Our studies took us through the course of human life, and we learned how artistic practice helps us develop our human potential. I found the course to be very well planned and executed by a number of exceptional health practitioners and artists. Upon returning home, I was continually nourished (and challenged) by the art assignments and written work we received during our sessions.

My work at Taruna in the Art of Health course enabled me to write a senior thesis for an independent College in San Francisco based on the use of artistic therapeutic practice in addiction recovery. Soon after returning from New Zealand for the last time, I was hired as a full-time counselor for the Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center. I work in a 32-bed homeless shelter that serves persons who are dually diagnosed with both mental health issues as well as chemical dependency. I offer the clients opportunity to paint 2-3 times a week. Clients stay with us from 30 to 90 days, and many of them leave the shelter with beautiful portfolios that they are proud of.

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the Art of Health program. It has enriched my life in many ways and has given me tools to bring the life affirming gifts of the artistic realm to many others on a daily basis, both in my work and in my personal life.