AATA News
An Overview of the Organizations that Support the Art Therapy Profession
While AATA’s mission is to advance art therapy as a regulated mental health profession and build a community that supports art therapists throughout their careers, we are only one of three organizations that assist art therapists with their career journeys.
In Memorium: Sandra Graves-Alcorn
September 23, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sandra (Kagin) Graves-Alcorn, PhD, ATR-BC, LPAT, a pioneer founder of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and retired professor of expressive therapies at the University of Louisville. She served as president of AATA from 1985 to 1987.
AATA’s 2021 Annual Conference Begins in Just 4 Weeks!
September 20, 2021
In one month, we will be live streaming our first annual conference days on the weekend of October 23-24. Have you registered yet? Now is the time to make your plans to attend AATA’s 52nd Annual Conference, Reconnecting and Visualizing Future Pathways for Art Therapy in a Diverse Society.
Time to Register for AATA’s 52nd Annual Conference
September 9, 2021
We are 6 weeks away from AATA’s 52nd Annual conference! The virtual program offers more than 100 hours of educational sessions over 4 days of exceptional programming. It is not too late to get involved: we are also calling for volunteers to facilitate morning sessions. Visit https://www.arttherapy.org/upload/2021AATA.pdf to view the full program, including four exciting plenary sessions. Register now!
Early Bird Rate Ends on Aug 31 for AATA’s Annual Conference
Early Bird ends on Aug. 31st! If you are planning to attend the AATA’s conference this year, register by August 31st for the early bird rates. Register online, download the registration form to register by fax, or call the office during business hours at (888)290-0878 or (703)548-5860.
Mental Health Resources to Support Communities Coping with the Crisis in Afghanistan
The stories and images coming out of Afghanistan resulting from the Taliban takeover of the Afghan government are heart-wrenching. For so many who have a direct connection or unique perspective, this is a particularly difficult time, with serious mental health repercussions. AATA has compiled this list of mental health resources for emergency support and other assistance.
Art Therapy Program at Hofstra University Receives Initial CAAHEP Accreditation
August 9, 2021
AATA is pleased to announce that the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) awarded initial accreditation to the Art Therapy master’s program at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The CAAHEP Board approved the accreditation recommendation by the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) for the art therapy graduate program on July 16, 2021.
Announcing our Featured Keynote Presenter, Yassmin Abdel-Magied!
August 9, 2021 | Susan Boxer Kappel
We are pleased to announce our featured keynote presenter, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a Sudanese-Australian writer, broadcaster, and award-winning social advocate with a background in mechanical engineering. One of the 2020 LinkedIn Changemakers, Yassmin is a globally sought-after advisor on issues of social justice, focused on the intersections of race, gender and faith. Don’t forget that early bird registration is open through August 31st – so be sure to register before the cut-off to save! Going completely virtual this year means there’s no need to worry about extra expenses for travel and concerns about health or safety, because you will be able to join art therapy colleagues from around the world in the comfort and safety of your own home.
Update on Integrating DEI into All Aspects of the Association
July 29, 2021 | Gretchen M. Miller
The purpose of this update is to provide a status report on the ways in which AATA has begun to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the entire organization, and to communicate about the next steps in this ongoing process. Much like in national conversations, this process has included critically re-examining, dismantling, and transforming policies, structures, and identifying our biases throughout the AATA, and assessing impacts on the broader art therapy community.
Announcing AATA’s New Strategic Plan
July 29, 2021
The American Art Therapy Association’s Board of Directors recently completed a strategic planning process and we are pleased to introduce to you our new strategic plan to guide our association over the next three years. The new plan includes 5 Pillars or priority areas of focus — and a new Vision statement, which was based on feedback from our members!