258 • Introduction to Art Therapy
Evolution of Political Action and Networks
Like a growing child, the field in its youth was much more concerned with internal famil-
ial issues than with the outside world, so it took some time before art therapists started to
pay attention to political realities (DVD 11.5). Although art therapy was sometimes recog-
nized by public figures—like Eleanor Roosevelt, pictured at an exhibit of art from Wiltwyck
School (Figure 11.12) with art therapist Edith Kramer (A)—there was no organized effort
at gaining recognition. Thanks to a gradual dawning of awareness, however, AATA slowly
developed mechanisms for identifying and influencing relevant political activity.
Just as it might be hard to believe that there was ever any question about the wisdom
of forming a national association, it might be equally surprising to learn that 30 years ago
there was a similar ambivalence about being politically active. Thanks to the foresight of a
few individuals, an early ad hoc group with a tiny budget grew into a Governmental Aἀairs
Committee (GAC).^3 No one now questions the importance of being alert, nor of support-
ing lobbying activity at both state and federal levels. The Internet has greatly facilitated the
work of this committee on pending legislation, since e-mails can be sent and responded to
instantly, which has worked well on many an occasion.
In recent years, the GAC has been active in informing legislators at both the local and
national level. For example, in 2004 an exhibit of artwork by older Americans was displayed
in the Capitol rotunda (B), and senators (C) and Congressmen were invited to attend (D). A
video was commissioned by the committee, Beyond Words: Art Therapy with Older Adults
(Rubin, 2004b). A statement supporting art therapy was also entered into the Congressional
Record by Senator Hillary Clinton (Figure 11.13) of New York (E).
Much has been accomplished for art therapy by working with other creative arts therapy
groups, both in legislative coalitions and through NCCATA—the National Coalition of Arts
Therapy Associations—formed in 1979 (www.nccata.org). At the national level, there have
been significant achievements, like being named in the regulations for legislation regarding
Figure 11.12 Eleanor Roosevelt & Edith Kramer, Wiltwyck School.