September 9, 2026 | By Tyler Strusowski, AATA2026 Conference Arts Chair
I’m excited to be supporting the conference this year as the AATA2026 Conference Arts Chair.
The Open Art Studio is one of the most well-used spaces at conference. It’s stocked with supplies and open for attendees to drop in between sessions, process what they’re learning, or just make something.
I’ve walked through the Open Art Studio at past conferences, and I’ve noticed that it is not only about art making, it’s about peer connection, whether you are connecting with an old colleague or longtime friend, or maybe someone you’ve just met recently, or someone’s presentation you went to earlier.
Aside from making art in the studio, another way to take your involvement further at the conference is signing up for a volunteer shift. I see it as not only a way to support AATA, but as a chance to get visible — to connect with peers, faculty, and programs you might want to be part of later.
Help us Make the Open Art Studio a Welcoming Space!
We are looking for AATA Members who are attending the conference and willing to donate time to set-up, break-down, or help manage the Open Art Studio. During your volunteer time, some of the responsibilities may be the following:
- Creating a welcoming environment in the Open Art Studio
- Assessing the condition of the studio
- Straightening up and cleaning up (Clean brushes, replace water buckets if necessary, etc.)
- Arranging supplies in a neat and orderly manner
- Checking and replenishing supplies from storage under the tables
- Assisting any conference attendees while in the studio
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
If you aren’t able to make one of the volunteer opportunities work for your schedule, or if you’re interested in a different volunteer experience, we have added additional volunteer opportunities for AATA2026!
Conference Committee Members and the AATA National Team will be there to support you throughout the volunteer process. Sign up for as many shifts as you’d like, but please note that volunteer spots are open to AATA Members only, and you are only able to volunteer on days you are already registered to attend.
Support the National Team at the Registration Desk
This volunteer opportunity is perfect for students with busy schedules who prefer early morning commitments, allowing them to get all the networking benefits of volunteering and still have the rest of the day free! The registration area is the first stop for every conference attendee and plays a key role in setting a welcoming tone for the event. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Greeting attendees and creating a warm, welcoming environment
Handing out badges and bags
Keeping attendee bags and other materials organized
Helping maintain an orderly and professional registration area
Help Us Keep Our Workshop and Advanced Practice Rooms Clean
This volunteer opportunity is especially well-suited for more introverted students or those looking for a lower-pressure way to get involved with a smaller time commitment per shift. Depending on space and the presenter, volunteers may be able to stay for the session itself (not CE eligible for volunteers). This makes it a great opportunity for students already registered to attend that day who want to sit in on an additional session.
Students will work independently in one or more of our workshop rooms to:
Assess the condition of the workshop rooms
Straighten up and clean up (clean brushes, replace water buckets if necessary, etc.)
Arrange supplies in a neat and orderly manner
Check and replenish supplies
If you have questions about volunteering at AATA2026, please contact the AATA National Team at info@arttherapy.org.