ABSTRACT
Snyder (2002) has investigated this abstract construct after having been inspired by the great analyst Karl Menninger's lectures and, as a result, established the 'hope theory'. Hope, then, is the doorway to transitional space, that to enter, create and then emerge from the cave of darkness may move one from despair, as Churchill was once famously quoted, towards 'sunlit uplands'. Jeff Gross became a school role-model, one who demonstrated that the most severe multiple handicaps can be successfully overcome, becoming an exemplar of hope and advocacy. During art therapy, in an 'open studio' format, described by Allen, Jeff was allowed undisturbed studio time, where he could dialogue with his images, often signing to them in his own 'inner voice' in an animated manner. Another young man, Jake Dion used his creativity as an expression of joy and love, despite a deeply troubled childhood where many obstacles were overcome. Beyond his animal whistling and political activism, Jake is a superb draftsman.
