Ethics on Exhibit

Abstract

This article discusses ethical questions raised by an exhibition of work by an artist with a history of mental illness and the exhibition's relevance to art therapy and “outsider art” discourse on the subject. Considerations for how such an exhibit could be handled had the circumstances included an art therapist and art therapy client are examined. Current ethical practices are discussed along with suggestions for professional involvement of art therapists in public art exhibitions.

Acknowledgments

Editor's Note: Randy M. Vick, MS, ATR-BC, LCPC, is an Associate Professor and Chair of Art Therapy at the School of the Art Institute, Chicago, IL.