ESU art therapy program turns 30

The ESU art therapy program is celebrating its 30th birthday this year.

Started by counselor Robert Ault, this master’s degree, which combines psychology and art education, has grown into one of the country’s leading art therapy programs.

“We were the fifth in the nation, and the first and only M.S. in art therapy for many, many years,” said Ault, who retired in 1995 and now runs Ault’s Art Academy in Topeka.

In the late 1960s, Ault was on the staff of the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, one of the country’s leading psychiatric hospitals. He took note of the University of Kansas’ fledgling music therapy program and in 1970, he proposed to teach art therapy.

But the rifts between the art department and the psychology department proved too deep at KU. “I was never allowed to teach a single class in Lawrence.”

He left KU in 1973, and the same week was invited to speak about art therapy at ESU as part of a Menninger Clinic presentation. “I told the folks at ESU I was trying to find a place to start an art therapy master’s program, and they were very enthusiastic about it.”

“A month later, they had a master’s degree in place” he said. “Dr Dale Cass was chair of the psychology department then. He was able to share the vision and take a chance.”

ESU is now one of 27 art therapy programs accredited by the Art Therapy Association of America. Graduates use artistic expression as a way to help clients cope with stress, trauma and disabilities in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic clinics; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; art studios; and independent practices.

“A good art therapist is like a skater. One skate is an understanding of art and the other is an understanding of people, of psychology and counseling,” said Ault. “Sometimes you push off with one skate, sometimes you push off with the other. And sometimes you glide along on both.”

Since 1973, ESU graduates have helped start academic programs, social service agencies and private practices. “Nebraska, Colorado and Oklahoma art therapy programs are all populated with Emporia State graduates. We have increase awareness of art therapy throughout the whole Midwest,” said Ault.

To celebrate the program’s successes, faculty and students have created displays for the state and national art therapy association meetings, and have had special presentations honoring Ault for his role as founder.

“We’re also going to have a fantastic art therapy ‘Discovery Day’ on March 6,” said assistant professor Emily Endreson. “It’s a chance to inform potential students, but also interact with the community to let them know about the scope and practice of art therapy.”

According to program director Nancy Slater, the ESU program is unique to the northern Plains states, drawing students from Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and the Dakotas.

“I think the next big area of growth for us is in international students. I think our program has a lot to offer students from other countries where art therapy has not yet been established.”

Last Updated July 2, 2007>