Thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday, June 29 for ITA’s Healing Arts Celebration — an evening filled with connection, creativity, and reflection as we honored 50 years of healing through the arts.
The Institute for Therapy through the Arts (ITA) Board of Directors and 50th Anniversary Committee invite you to join us for a special evening celebrating five decades of impact through Creative Arts Therapy.
This milestone event will feature inspiring performances by ITA therapists and clients, delicious appetizers and drinks, a silent auction, and exciting raffle opportunities. The evening will be emceed by Christian Farr, NBC reporter and valued ITA Board Member.
Celebrating 50 Years of Creating, Growing, and Healing
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Institute for Therapy through the Arts – a milestone that honors five decades of innovation, compassion, and impact through Creative Arts Therapy.
What began in 1975, by the late Marilyn “Toddy” Richman, ITA began as a small music therapy program serving just 27 children. Today it has grown into a nationally recognized organization offering art, dance/movement, drama, and music therapy to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Toddy’s vission and passion continue to guide our mission as we honor her legacy and the thousands of lives touched by ITA over the past 50 years. As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding access to creative arts therapies and deepening our impact across communities.
Marilyn “Toddy” Richman Legacy Award
The Marilyn “Toddy” Richman Legacy Award honors the enduring impact of ITA’s founder, whose warmth, creativity, and vision shaped the organization from its inception in 1975. Toddy pioneered one of the nation’s first integrative creative arts therapy programs, bringing together art, dance/movement, drama, and music therapy under one roof. A beloved mentor, teacher, and clinical leader, Toddy left a profound legacy that continues to inspire ITA’s mission and community. This award recognizes individuals whose work reflects her lifelong dedication to healing through the arts.
2025 Award Recipient: Judy Holstein
The Institute for Therapy through the Arts is proud to honor Judy Holstein as the 2025 recipient of the Marilyn “Toddy” Richman Legacy Award.
A longtime member of the ITA family, Judy served as a clinician and Coordinator of the Drama Therapy Department from 1989 to 1994 and joined ITA’s Board of Directors in 2018. Her work as Director of Adult Day Services at CJE SeniorLife and her ongoing efforts to integrate the arts into dementia care reflect a deep commitment to healing, dignity, and innovation.
Judy’s career, creativity, and compassion beautifully carry forward the legacy of ITA’s founder, Marilyn “Toddy” Richman.
Award Presenters: Elizabeth and Ruth Richman, Toddy’s daughters
NBC 5’s Christian Farr to Emcee 2025 Healing Arts Celebration
We are delighted to welcome back Christian Farr as the emcee for this year’s Healing Arts Celebration.
Christian has been a reporter and fill-in anchor at NBC 5 Chicago since 2009. With over 15 years of experience as a television journalist across the United States, he brings both professionalism and a deep commitment to community storytelling. He has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards and is the recipient of the prestigious Lisagor Award for Journalism, along with numerous community service honors.
As a valued member of ITA’s Board of Directors, Christian brings heart, humor, and dedication to our mission. We’re thrilled to have him guide us through this special evening.
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