June 29, 2017
At 81 years young, Margaret Carpenter Arnett, BSN, ATR still facilitates art therapy support groups for patients undergoing cancer treatment and works with a select number of clients in private practice. In addition to her clinical work, Margaret is an accomplished author, lector, and artist. During her 30 years as an art therapist, she has worked in private practice, medical and holistic settings, and the community at large. Margaret served on the Board of the Evergreen Art Therapy Association (1990-2003) and values her AATA membership because of networking opportunities and professional resources such as the Journal. Furthermore, she says, “I appreciate that the AATA has an increasing voice in education, government, and healthcare.”
Margaret worked as a graduate nurse before she learned of art therapy and discovered her passion through Elisabeth Kubler’s work. When asked why art therapy is effective, she offers two explanations: “First, as a non-verbal way to express feelings and to vent strong emotions in a safe way, and second, as a tool for personal and spiritual growth and self-understanding.” She advises art therapists that “art therapy is an important tool for communicating with others, so it is important that we do our own work if we want to contribute to a better world. We can only accompany others along the path as far as we have come ourselves.” To learn more about Margaret and to view her work, visit her website.
Margaret is passionate about accessibility, insurance reimbursement, and social justice within the field. Her hopes for the future of the profession are that “the general public becomes more aware of the power of art therapy and that the respect for art therapy as a profession.
“Many Faces of God” by Margaret Carpenter Arnett. Watercolor.