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Donald Seiden Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Seiden
48 Entries
Georgiana L Barrie Rosario
August 6, 2025
Happy heavenly birthday Don.
Jose Alcantara
September 25, 2019
Don,
WAS and is for me the very source of how art and therapy can merge so beautifully.
He encouraged me to find my answers and more importantly, my questions within my own studio work.
A simple man with profound understanding of nature, art and us.
Thank you Don *(Your legacy is secured in all our hearts and in our work)
My chick collection- the ones in eggs were given on the birth of my two children
Sarah Laing
August 29, 2019
Baby antelope Don stuffed with my fabrics
Sarah Laing
August 29, 2019
How you can show support
Jane Stevens
August 19, 2019
Don was an amazing teacher and friend. I am grateful to have known him and was able to spend time with him working on a book. Michelle, I wish your family healing and blessings. Much love, Jane
Susan Stone
August 18, 2019
Michelle. After reading all about your dad I understand where you got such amazing artistic genes and....
Why you are so thoughtful and loving and introspective.
I wish you and Amy and everyone a year of healing. I know he will be missed. May his memory be for a blessing.
Much love
Hilde Fishman/Healy
August 17, 2019
I had the privilege of being in Mr. Seiden's special arts class for two semesters at Von Steuben High School in the early 1960's. It was the class I looked most forward to attending. I thought of him more as a friend than a teacher. He treated his students as equals and seemed to truly care about all of us. I was caught skipping a study hall,and he covered for me by saying I was working on a project in his classroom so I wouldn't get in trouble. Not many teachers would have done that. There is so much angst during our teenage years,and Mr. Seiden always had time to listen to our latest problems with patience and caring. He was a fine artist, a talented teacher and a very special man.
Amateo Seno
August 13, 2019
Donald Seiden is one of the Kings of Depth & Substance. A marvelous mind with extreme passion to help others. His art, words, accomplishments & family legacy has inspired many including me. Art therapy has changed many lives. Appreciation for beauty & excellence becomes heightened while discussing how the art makes you feel. What a beautiful combination of caring & sharing. Healing is a gift for Donald Seiden & it will be experienced by many for years to come.
State of Illinois Gallery Event
Teresa M
August 13, 2019
Teresa M
August 13, 2019
One lovely night at Don's State of Illinois Gallery event.
Virginia Guzior
August 13, 2019
So sad to hear of Dons passing. He was such an inspiration when I had him as an instructor at SAIC in the 70s. A kind and gentle soul.
Georgiana Barrie-Rosario
August 12, 2019
I'm saddened by the news of Don's passing. He was a very special person and I considered him a friend even though it was years since I last saw him at a gallery show. He was my instructor at SAIC in the early 70s in a class called Sensory Potentials. He had such a gentle patience with his students that made it easy to learn, and he never hesitated to share his knowledge. His smile and laugh were contagious. I will never forget him.
Christine Makarewicz-Villaire
August 12, 2019
My condolences to Don's family, and especially to Jackie and his daughter Michelle, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing.
I was lucky to have a class with Don many years ago as an art therapy student. Don had a special sage-like quality to him--it was evident that I was in the presence of something profound.
Over the years, I experienced and witnessed how Don engaged with everyone as if he already saw their potential unfold. Don was an inspiration for art, art therapy, and life. Thank you! You are already missed.
Erin Denk
August 11, 2019
I am so honored to have work with Don and just to have witnessed his wisdom which I still hold his words to this day.
August 11, 2019
Jacala, it's Bobala here.
Seeing this familiar image of Don fills me with precious memories of visits within your home, surrounded by the unique aura of your palpable and exquisite art.
I have been blessed to have had you both in my life: You and I, from teenaged years and on; and Don, as a kind mentor and true friend to Kathy and I.
Don has given so much of his innate gifts to the worlds of art and art therapy. Those fortunate people have seen lifelong and significant changes in their lives.
Jerry and I send our heartfelt condolences.
Love,
Bobbie
Angela Lyonsmith
August 11, 2019
Don touched so many lives through his kindness and craft. I am forever thankful and changed by his example.
My deepest condolences to his family and all who grieve this remarkable, beautiful soul.
August 11, 2019
In the spring of 1964, I was fortunate to receive
a teaching assignment at Von Steuben High School in Chicago as Art and Honors English teacher. I had recently graduated from the University of Michigan, College of Architecture & Design. My practical father insisted that I also complete certifications in high school Art and English. Smart man! Don Seiden had held the Art position at Von Steuben for some time prior to his affiliation with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He was revered by faculty, students, parents, and administration. (I was very fortunate to have followed him, briefly. The next fall, I accepted the Upper School Art position at the Latin School of Chicago.) My recollection is that shortly after Don moved on the SAIC, he popped into his/my classroom at Von Steuben briefly. That might be wishful thinking on my part! I'd like his family to know that I encouraged his former students to keep on making lots of art. All these years later, my art is engaged with planning in civic and cultural communities in our dear City. Don was much loved and admired at Von Steuben and I was honored to have had the opportunity to sustain and encourage his philosophy.
Susan Stillerman Aaron
[email protected]
Dana Richter
August 11, 2019
My best friend, Arlene, introduced me to her amazing, handsome, VERY talented brother, Donald. Throughout the many years I have known Arlene, Donald has always been there for her. What a gift he has been to the many lives he has touched.
Ted Harris
August 11, 2019
I am so honored to have made art alongside Don, to have witnessed his words and spirit. So honored by his honesty, his presence, his curiosity, his wildness, his kindness, his wisdom, his Don-ness. Peace to you Don! And peace to all you have touched and who feel your loss.
August 11, 2019
As his sister, Arlene's , best friend, she shared wonderful stories of her very loving brother who was always there for her for her lifetime. I also met him, admired him for the very terrific and amazingly talented man he was. You will be missed by everyone whose life you touched. DANA RICHTER
Pat Allen
August 11, 2019
Don was one of a kind. I knew him as friend, colleague and fellow artist. He was the first art therapist I knew in Chicago. He was always willing to share his process, letting the seams show and living the power of the image. I will miss him very much.
August 11, 2019
Heidi Wodrich
August 11, 2019
Don was my hero, my Dad. He loved me unconditionally and encouraged me on every step of the way throughout my entire life. He taught me to follow my instincts and my bliss, to be humble and generous, and to trust life and the path that very simply and gracefully unfolds if you let it. He asked great questions and wanted to always know more. He connected with people with genuine interest and curiosity.
His life was one of exploration of intense passions, at times "climbing in and out of dangerous spaces"... and also the appreciation for the simple pleasures of nature, animals, prairies and hills and rocks and trees and water... a true yin & yang of existence. I will miss his guidance, his wisdom, his shoulder, his hugs, and his laugh... particularly, the twinkling smile he greeted me with and his appreciation for it all. XOXOXOX
*Side note: Legacy automatically offers the option to send flowers; we know that wouldn't have been his wish. However, as his family we are thinking about a bench or a tree or another possible memorial to be crafted at a later date. We will spread the word as the idea forms. If you'd like to contribute or share ideas, please email me at [email protected]. Thank you for your friendship and for sharing your memories of Don... it's a joy to see how valuable his life was to so many. May his memory always be a blessing.
August 11, 2019
August 11, 2019
Margo Mansfield Serlin
August 11, 2019
I worked with Don at Rush and have nothing but loving memories of him. He was a magnet to both patients and staff and brought joy to all those he encountered. My love and prayers go out to the family but especially to Michelle who I also adore.
Raina Cowan
August 11, 2019
My deepest condolences to Jackie and all of Don's family. Don's impact on the art therapy community is nothing short of profound and lives on eternally. I am grateful to have been his student, to have been mentored by him, and just to have known him. ❤
Don's website post artwork. Thank you.
Teresa M
August 11, 2019
Teresa M
August 11, 2019
Don is a remarkable soul. Earth is dimmed by his passing but the heavens are more brilliant.
He created a bountiful of art , defined and designed Art Therapy as a remedy but his masterpiece is his family legacy. Don's family is remarkable. Loving , fun, caring , who share their gifts too.
I am blessed to have shared a space / time long ago.
Wishing peace and love to Jacquie, Arlene his children and all.
T.
Dan Anthon
August 10, 2019
I have so many memories with Don, but what I remember most is he was a beautiful, beautiful Man.
Caroline Eizik
August 10, 2019
Don was my teacher and an inspiration. He was so kind and open, a a true artist. He helped me to become an art therapist and mentored me through the process. A man with a big heart ad a big soul that will live on.
Hedy Carrera
August 10, 2019
My condolences to family and friends. Don will truly be missed by many. You inspired many. May God Bless ❤
Arlene Leshtz
August 10, 2019
I am the luckiest person in the world. Donald, my brother... I'm the only person who can say that.
I'm the only person who knew him the longest. Those are simple words for the boy, the man, who was my rock ---every day of my life--- who never failed to take care of me & love me & teach me, his little sister.
I will never forget you. How could I.
❤Love,
Your little sister,
Arlaina Berkowitz
"Girl Cow Puncher"
(Whatever that meant)
Sunny
August 10, 2019
All I can say is: I wish we have more people in this world like Don.
One beautiful, sweet and warm soul.
But most of all, one true artist in every way.
And , at same time, so humble, simple and down to earth.
It was my blessing to know you.
Rest In Peace my dear Don.
You will always be loved and remembered.
Don Seiden's Secret for Slowing Down Time. a film by Nancy bechtol
Nancy/David Bechtol
August 10, 2019
Art is forever. so glad to have made this film. premiered when he was 85 at the Illinois State Museum-Chicago Gallery, curated by Jane Stevens.
sunflower uplifts. c.nancy bechtol
Nancy/David Bechtol
August 10, 2019
Don Seiden gave his vision of art and art therapy to many. Will always remember his artistry and stories.
Sue Parcell
August 10, 2019
Don was a great supervisor when I was in training to become an art therapist, he was an excellent mentor. May he rest in peace.
Thank you Don for helping me become the art therapist that I am today, your methodology was simply the best.
Love, Sue
August 10, 2019
Kurt Fondriest
August 10, 2019
Don was always so kind and passionate to talk with younger art therapists. He passed on so much knowledge. May he now paint with the color of his soul across the universe.
Cindy Leshtz
August 10, 2019
We lost an awesome, loving, and inspiring man on many levels. I was always in awe of him. His memory will be my blessing. Rest In Peace Uncle Don. Thank you for everything! Here's a picture he made for my parents anniversary. A treasure!
Elizabeth Delgado
August 10, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the family. Was an honor to had meet such a beutiful men and his family. His sister beutiful lady her son Robert who toke time to teach me a stranger all about Don and his work i was truly inspire by Don family and even tho it was a short time will remeber then all specially Beutiful Heidi and beutiful Shelly. Thank you Don.
August 10, 2019
Rachel Joyce-waller
August 10, 2019
My deepest sympathies for your family. I only knew Donald for a short time but he was a wonderful man and truly remarkable person
Erin Jacobson
August 9, 2019
Deepest sympathy to the family of Don. He was inspiring, warm and incredibly creative. I will miss his presence in the world.
Karin Grear
August 9, 2019
Don was a wonderful person to know. He was always warm and supportive to me as I was learning my way in my new job at Rush. He was greatly appreciated by both the staff and the clients in the department. He will never be forgotten by me. RIP
Randy Vick
August 9, 2019
The world has lost a very beautiful soul!
Randy Vick
August 9, 2019
The world has lost a very beautiful soul!
Earnie Ray
August 9, 2019
My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods promise to return your loved ones who passed away in death . 1 Thessalonians 4 : 13 & 14 .
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