AATA News
A Message of Support to the People of California
November 15, 2018
Our hearts are broken for the people of California who are experiencing tremendous loss and tragedy. The devastating wildfire known as the Camp Fire in Butte County has burned the town of Paradise to the ground and is the deadliest fire in the state’s history. To date, 56 fatalities have been confirmed, 130 people remain unaccounted for, and tens of thousands have fled their homes, many of which have been destroyed.
The AATA Recognized Distinguished Members at the 2018 Annual Conference
November 14, 2018
The American Art Therapy Association celebrated recipients of annual awards and scholarships during the 49th Annual Conference in Miami, FL. AATA Board President Christianne Strang, PhD, ATR-BC, CEDCAT-S, led the introductions and recognitions at the Plenary Awards Ceremony on Friday November 1, 2018.
The AATA Denounces Hate Crimes in the Wake of the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting
November 1, 2018
We are horrified and deeply saddened by the devastating violence that took place on October 27, 2018, at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Squirrel Hill, PA. We condemn the anti-semitic acts of violence and grieve the 11 congregants who were killed in their place of worship.
Welcoming 1000+ Attendees to Miami: Here are Some Reminders
October 25, 2018 | By Heidi Tournoux-Hanshaw
We couldn’t be more excited to head to Miami for the 49th Annual Conference! There will be so many opportunities to learn, network, catch up with friends, and let your creativity run wild. Check out these reminders as you pack your bags, finalize your transportation plans and schedule, and add those finishing touches to your costumes.
The AATA Stands Firmly in Support of the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Communities in Response to the Administration’s Proposed Definition Change
October 25, 2018
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) firmly rejects a reported proposal by the Trump/Pence Administration to redefine sex in civil rights law to eliminate anti-discrimination protections for transgender people. The new definition proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services in a memo reported by The New York Times on October 21, 2018, would redefine sex in Title IX of the Civil Rights Act as either male or female, based on a person’s sex organs at birth. The claim that this definition would be “grounded in science” ignores findings of decades of scientific research widely accepted by the medical community.
Sunrise Reviews Commence in Connecticut and Nebraska
October 25, 2018 | Advocacy
The AATA is pleased to share that state agencies in Connecticut and Nebraska have approved applications to conduct studies on into the need to regulate art therapy. These comprehensive studies to determine the need and the appropriate level of regulation of a profession, commonly referred to as “sunrise reviews,” are prerequisites for the legislature to consider licensing a new profession and are now required at varying degrees in 14 states .
Don’t Miss the Student Art Exhibit at the Miami International Airport to Welcome Conference Attendees
October 10, 2018 | By Heidi Tournoux-Hanshaw
In celebration of the AATA Conference to be held October 31 to November 4 in Miami, FL, the Clinical Art Therapy Department of Miami-Dade County Public Schools will offer an art exhibit in the baggage claim area of the Miami International Airport near Carousel 15. The exhibit titled ARTWORKS: Navigating Student Success will be on display from October 23, 2018 through January 31, 2019.
World Mental Health Day
October 10, 2018
In recognition of this global awareness effort, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) offers the following resources on mental health, art therapy, and the Association’s advocacy and awareness efforts.
Submission Deadline for the International Art Therapy Practice Research Conference in London is October 15
October 4, 2018
The submission deadline of October 15th is fast approaching for papers on research, practice innovation, masterclasses or workshops to the inaugural International Art Therapy Practice Research Conference to be held in London, July 11 to 13, 2019. The AATA and the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) have partnered to launch this event. We hope this is the first of future worldwide events which will help support and grow our profession, its practice and research. Registration will open in December 2018.
Milestone for the Profession: First Art Therapy Graduate Program Receives Accreditation and More on the Way!
September 27, 2018
Congratulations to Edinboro University, the first graduate art therapy program to receive accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)! The AATA has been working for several years to smoothly transition from approval through AATA’s Educational Programs Approval Board (EPAB) to third-party accreditation, as a key step in continued professionalization. Thank you to everyone who helped us reach this milestone!