Art Therapy: The Healing Vision

Art Therapy: The Healing Vision
Robert (“Bob”) E. Ault, MFA, ATR-BC, HLM

This is a grouping of two films featuring Robert Ault, one of the pioneers in art therapy. “Art Therapy: The Healing Vision” was released in 1986 by the Menninger Foundation and is an exquisite and profound film narrated by Ault. Ault presents theoretical underpinnings that guide the art therapist, and pays homage to those upon whose work the field of art therapy began, such as Freud, Jung, Prinzhorn, Naumburg, Kwaitkowska, Lowenfeld, and Kramer. He shares case examples of children, adolescents, adults, and older adults receiving treatment. The film includes a fascinating interview with Elizabeth “Grandma” Layton, whose contour drawings helped her overcome a lifelong battle with depression, and who was befriended and championed by Bob as a living example of the healing power of art.

To Bob, with Love: AATA Memorial Service Film
Judith A. Rubin, PhD, ATR-BC, HLM

This film documents the multiple roles Ault played in his life: family member, artist, art therapist, educator, and pioneer in the field of Art Therapy. Bob was one of the founders of the American Art Therapy Association, serving as its second President and leading the organization with calm and tact during the Association’s  tumultuous early years. This lovingly prepared Memorial Service Film is followed by commentary from his former student, Randy Vick, who describes how Bob enveloped people with a kindness and sincerity that is not felt often.

Total Running Time: 1 hour, 2 minutes