Rene R. Bouchard
Art Gallery Dedication

Rene Bouchard, MA(Theology), MDiv, MA (Art Therapy), ATR-BC died suddenly in December of 1997. As teacher, colleague, artist, and friend this loss has had a profound effect on the Connecticut Art therapy Association. In mourning we remember Rene's accomplishments and celebrate his life.

The initial call to form this chapter of the Connecticut Art Therapy Association (CATA)came from Rene. His vision and high level of professionalism propelled CATA into a solid working association. Rene served first as president-elect and was finishing his term as president at the time of his death. Rene was also involved in CATA's governmental affairs, was always exploring ways to improve public relations and the job market for art therapists. Rene's other contributions to the field of art therapy in the state of Connecticut include developing the Art Therapy Concentration for psychology majors at St. Joseph College in West Hartford. Rene went on to become a member of the faculty and CO-coordinator of the new Master of Arts in Art Therapy Program at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven. He has also taught at the Art Therapy Institute at Southern Connecticut State University, and had been a thesis advisor for the New York University Graduate Art Therapy Program. Rene's contributions in the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) include participation on the Finance, Honors, Nominating and Program Committees. He had recently been appointed to the Journal Editorial Board and Chair of AATA's Long range Planning Committee. Rene was active in the Connecticut Association for Jungian psychology and maintained a private practice in Killingworth and New York City.

On a more personal note, Rene's richness of spirit, sense of humor, love of cooking, gardening and art making touched us deeply. We are so fortunate to have had the privilege of knowing Rene and learning from him. His strong presence with stay with us for many years to come.

At the time of his death, Rene and his wife Joan had recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary, and their son Pierre had just turned 13. He is also survived by his parents, sister and brother. In his memory, a scholarship fund has been established for his son. Contributions may be made to the Pierre Bouchard Scholarship Fund, c/o The Farmer's and Mechanics bank, Higganum, Ct 06441

Finally, this website was created out of Rene's vision for CATA to be at the forefront of technological communications, where art therapists could network and others could learn about the value in Art Therapy. It is our honor to display Rene's artwork in this section of the CATA website art gallery, as a permanent tribute to the memory of Rene Bouchard.

His life was truly a work of art.