His cousin Roel Hessels Hommema, and his friend Rinse Bearts Gelder were taught in Hijum. Later Arjen regularly worked with instrument maker and farmer Sieds Johannes Rienks of Hallum.
Arjen's relatives, including his cousin Roel Hessels Hommema and friend Rinse Bearts Gelder, studied in Hijum. He regularly cooperated with instrument maker and farmer Sieds Johannes Rienks from Hallum.