Harriet Wadeson: A Prolific Pioneer

Three films about Harriet Wadeson provide the viewer with a thorough understanding of her contributions to the field of art therapy from the 1960s until her death in 2016. The first, “The Happy Accident,” was made as a gift by her companion, Neena Schwartz in 2003.  The second is an Interview of “Presidents & Leaders” by the Illinois Art Therapy Association in 2012. The third is a film made by her friend and colleague, Judy Rubin, as a tribute for the AATA Conference following her death in 2016 and is entitled “Honoring Harriet Wadeson: A Prolific Pioneer.”

In all three, Wadeson shares firsthand how she became an art therapist, including how she contributed through the years as a practitioner, academic, author, and advocate for the field. Wadeson provides lived experiences as a participant in the development of the American Art Therapy Association.  Harriet talks about her material usage, especially her work with mask making. She also offers insight into her intimate experiences of using art to live through cancer treatment later in life, which cumulated in the publication of her last book. Her creativity as an artist, a teacher, and an ambassador for art therapy throughout the world are chronicled.

Total Running Time: 57 minutes, 51 seconds