Our Tutors

Toi Ora offers over 20 visual and performing arts classes, each led by a professional arts tutor. Toi Ora tutors work to build a supportive environment where you can learn and grow at a pace that feels comfortable. Our tutors can help you gain or fine-tune skills while supporting your wellbeing through the creative process.

Get to know some of our incredible tutors.

Karlin was born and raised in Auckland. He attended ELAM School of Fine Arts from 2015-2018 and has a background in illustration, painting, and printmaking. Highly influenced by the Cubist and Futurist movements, he has exhibited in a variety of shows with fellow artist collectives and university exhibitions.

Karlin joined Toi Ora over a year ago and loves coming in, seeing people really making an effort, and getting into it at the Grey Lynn studio. When asked what makes the magic happen in his Toi Ora printmaking class, Karlin says, “I see the class as more of a collaborative space for expression and experimentation. That is where magic can happen. Having fun with the process, chatting with our peers, and problem solving, are what bring the rush of the studio!”

Karlin doesn’t just support people in his classes to build wellbeing through creativity, he says art plays a massive role in his own life. “I need to be creating to stay healthy mentally. It’s very important to my wellbeing.”

First and foremost, wellbeing and mindfulness are crucial to the work I do in the community.

I facilitate workshops connecting communities to the environment and our culture, which essentially helps with our wairua. Our spirit.

I share knowledge of Rongoā Māori (natural remedies), and Raranga (weaving).

Creativity has always been part of my life for healing my thoughts, and having a great imagination really helps this flow.

I love my role at Toi Ora; I get to create alongside everyone here. We share skills, and we are all learning from each other.

Bronson Price aka Melodownz (Ngāpuhi, Samoan, and Pākehā) is a New Zealand MC, rapper and urban poet.  He has two studio albums and four extended release albums including: Beginners Luck, 3P, Avontales, High Beams, Melo & Blues, and Lone Wolf.

He’s been a tutor at Toi Ora now for over a decade.   He builds an incredible environment in his classes and inspires you to try something new, believe in yourself, and let your talents blossom. His classes create a space where people can show up authentically, connect with other people, and feel a sense of belonging.

Scientifically, we know that music heals and that creativity is a powerful tool for wellbeing. Bronson’s classes are where you can see that in action. He’s got a busy music career and family life and still goes above and beyond to create opportunities like visiting renowned recording studios or bringing the Wolves of Avondale photography exhibition to the Toi Ora Gallery.

Daniel Larsen-Barr (Ngāti Apakura) received a Bachelors of Art from the University of Auckland also worked in writing television subtitles for the hearing impaired and went on to perform around the country and overseas.

Daniel has been teaching creative writing at Toi Ora for over a decade in Tāmaki Makaurau.  His classes explore how to be inspired by other texts while making work that is uniquely your own.

Daniel works with each person in his class on developing their work for exhibition or publication when they feel ready.  This includes being able to do a public reading of the piece at an opening.

Daniel is known for providing the type of insightful feedback that helps take a writer to the next level without shaking their confidence.

Michelle Reid, a seasoned tutor whose passion for artistry knows no limits. Since joining Toi Ora in January 2024, Michelle’s journey has been one of exploration, inspiration, and the celebration of creative diversity.

For Michelle, inspiration is a tapestry woven from the threads of familial influence, the camaraderie of artist friends, the wisdom of mentors, and the kaleidoscopic of language. Guided by these sources of inspiration, Michelle’s journey extends beyond the confines of traditional artistic mediums, embracing the written word and the lens of a camera as conduits for creative exploration.

As a tutor at Toi Ora, Michelle’s role transcends mere instruction; it is a testament to her commitment to nurturing the creative spirit within each artist. Through her interactions with Toi Ora’s artists, Michelle has learned that creativity knows no bounds and that hidden talents await discovery at every turn.