Mending Through Art: The Dewdneys and Art Therapy in London Exhibit.
Reflections by Wanda Sawicki 〰 Sharing Member Voices OATA 2025
OATA is so excited to feature the Heritage London Foundation Exhibition, Mending Through Art and the development of art therapy in London since the 1940’s, through our significant culture carriers the Dewdney’s, and through the historical exhibition thoughtfully curated by Emmy Meredith. Emmy won a research grant to complete 540 hours of research on the topic of her choice for the Heritage London Foundation and she chose to showcase the contributions of the Dewdneys and the origins of art therapy in London Ontario. Part of Emmy’s research, and included in the exhibition was a video interview with Linda Nicholas. The exhibition was comprised of 22 panels that were both written and designed by Emmy.
First off, a very special thank you to the project lead Emmy Meredith for her interest and care in presenting such an important historical exhibition, that adds to the field of art therapy in so many ways. Kudos to all those from OATA and TATI who contributed to the successful kickoff of this exhibition opening, including speakers like Ana Seara, Aisha Husseini and all the attendees! HeARTening Congratulations to all involved; the curator Emmy is currently a TATI student and speaker Aisha is a TATI graduate.
On behalf of the Board, we are proud of your dedication and consistent care for Mending Through Art, an apt metaphor that certainly fits our tumultuous times. Hope you each will have a chance to visit this historically significant exhibit! I look forward to taking it all in soon.
Take the best of care ~ In community, 〰 Susan Beniston, Education Chair
Reflections by Wanda Sawicki.
I attended this event with Linda Nicholas, and we agreed that it was quite memorable and enjoyable. Emmy Meredith’s project was well presented in terms of content, clarity and esthetics; the display panels were beautiful and easy to read from a comfortable distance of two to three feet. This was helpful when the room became crowded with attendees!
The oral presentations were focused upon the history of art therapy in London through the work of Irene and Selwyn Dewdney, and its contributions to the development of the field in Ontario and Canada.
Ana Seara outlined her professional journey from her time studying in the art therapy program at Western University, and made special note of the unique influence that Irene Dewdney and her Objective Approach had upon her own development as art therapist.
Linda Nicholas shared her personal connection with Irene Dewdney from being one of her first students, to the development of the art therapy program at Western, and her time as director of that program. When describing the impact of the Objective Approach in her professional practice, Linda verbalized the wonder, beauty and power of it so well that it took me back in time to my own days of using it in my own practice. Out of all the ways in which art therapy is helpful in a participant’s healing journey, The Objective Approach is indeed unique. When Linda commented that she misses this practice in retirement, many of us retired art therapists in attendance nodded in warm agreement.
It was wonderful to witness the interest shown by the audience in the mutual exchange of expertise and insights in which Irene and Selwyn Dewdney participated with the artistic, medical and intellectual communities of London. Their legacy continues as the profession of art therapy grows in acceptance and scope of practice. The energy and new directions introduced by the continuing influx of students and graduates, as seen this evening, serve to further its advances in exciting ways.
〰 Wanda Sawicki, DipAT, OATR, MPS
Exhibit Information.
“Join The Heritage London Foundation on Sat. January 18, from 7-9 PM for the opening night of our new exhibit, Mending Through Art: The Dewdneys and Art Therapy in London, Ontario. Using research, photographs, patient artworks, and interview clips, this exhibit will explore the pioneering work of Irene and Selwyn Dewdney in the field of art therapy and how they created a unique program that expanded across London, from the 1940’s on. We will have two guest speakers who are current art therapy practitioners, along with a complimentary wine and cheese reception. This event is free to the public. ”
Heritage London Foundation • Grosvenor Lodge
To see the show again after the opening:
Grosvenor Lodge: 1017 Western Road, London, Ontario N6G 1G5
Visitors can drop by on any of the following days, between 12-3 pm:
Sun. Jan. 19, Sun. Jan. 26, Sat. Feb. 1, Sun. Feb. 2,
Sat. Feb. 8, Sun. Feb. 9, now closing weekend (changed from: Feb. 15 & 16)
Website: www.heritagelondonfoundation.ca
IG: grosvenorlodge
“Est. in 1853. Home to Grosvenor’s Haunted Lodge, Heritage London Foundation, environmental groups, and intimate vintage events & wedding venue.”
Ontario Art Therapy Association.
Website: www.oata.ca
Follow on Instagram: @ontarioarttherapyassociation
Blog Posts/Stories • OATA Listing. Sharing News. Updates. Stories. Reflections. https://www.aprilpenny.com/ogblog/oata-listing-news-updates-stories-reflections
Given such tumultuous times, sharing positive vibes for OATA through news, stories and reflections. Kindling the creative-caring actions that we know are happening daily in our community, can support and nurture our collective spirits. Link to listing.
Extending the warmth in community,
〰 Susan Beniston, OATA Education Chair
〰 April Penny, OATA 2025 Volunteer • Mailings & Sharing Stories on the Connections Blog