About the Artists
The artworks featured on this site are created by pioneering figures in the field of art therapy, including Mildred "Millie" Chapin, Don Jones, and Don Seiden. These artists were not only influential in shaping the therapeutic use of art but also crafted deeply emotional and transformative works that reflect their understanding of human expression and healing. Each piece serves as a testament to their innovative contributions to both the art world and the practice of art therapy, blending creativity with healing in ways that continue to inspire and resonate.
Don Jones, the first art therapist at the Menninger Clinic, was also on a committee that helped to formalize the birthof the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) in 1969. He later served as the 4th President of AATA. At Menninger's he trained Robert Ault and Charles Anderson; at Harding Hospital he mentored Bruce Moon. As a conscientous objector, Don's message was: "Make Art, Not War." A talented painter and sculptor, Don believed that in order to be an effective art therapist, you needed to be first and foremost a practicing artist.
Mildred "Millie" Lachman-Chapin was an art therapist, educator, author, and painter who was actively involved with the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) since its first conference in 1970. She was an early proponent of art created by the therapist a s a way to engage empathically with the patient. She was responsible for the founding of the Art Committee of AATA, continuing throughout her life to create, even after a stroke. Millie's own paintings highlighted relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as exploring the definition of the Self.
Don Seiden was a pioneer of art therapy in the Midwest. A veteran, a teacher, author, and artist, he believed that life and art were inseparable. Don worked in all manner of traditional and nontraditional media producing drawings, paintings, and photographs as well as his unique mixed-media sculpture. He and his art were both unique and inventive. Don founded the art therapy training program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was also of those who founded the Illinois Art Therapy Association.
Arthur Robbins, Ed.D., ATR, HLM (1928–2022) was a pioneering art therapist, educator, and creative leader whose work shaped the field of therapeutic artistry. Affectionately known as “Art,” he co-founded Pratt Institute’s Creative Arts Therapy Program in 1971, serving as field coordinator, professor, and chair before becoming professor emeritus. A licensed psychologist and certified psychoanalyst, he founded the Institute of Expressive Analysis in 1978 and authored numerous influential books and articles on creativity and therapy. Recognized as an Honorary Life Member of the American Art Therapy Association in 1998, Robbins was also a Senior Member and former Board Member of the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis. A champion of individuality and creative expression, he was remembered for his openness, acceptance, and continual growth, as well as for his own work as a “junk sculptor” in clay, stone, and metal.
