AATA News
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!
Findings from AATA’s DEI Listening Session Series and Survey
July 29, 2021
Last winter, AATA conducted a series of listening sessions and an online survey to hear from members and the broader art therapy community about their experiences and suggestions in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Barriers to entering the field and lack of diversity in the profession were identified as the two overarching issues that need to be prioritized.
AATA’s 52nd Annual Conference is Going All Virtual: Early Bird Is Now Open!
July 15, 2021
After an intensive review of the 2021 Annual Conference we have concluded that our best and safest approach this year is to go completely virtual. Our primary priority is the safety and well-being of our members, attendees, and volunteers. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we completed this important decision-making process.
AATA Opposes the Redefinition of Art Therapy from a Separate Profession to a Form of Counseling in Texas
July 14, 2021
The regulatory structure of art therapists in Texas has recently undergone significant changes, both to the board with authority over the rulemaking process and to the rules themselves, including how art therapy is defined. The AATA submitted comment—first during the regular sunset review period with recommended improvements, and this week urging the rejection of a proposed redefinition of art therapy as a form of counseling.
2021 Conference Update
July 1, 2021
Thank you for your responses and input on the in-person conference surveys! We are planning to open registration on July 15, 2021. We have continued to monitor the status of the COVID-19 pandemic, and regardless of whether we are able to hold an in-person conference, we do plan to also offer a virtual conference.
Kat Michel’s Departure from AATA
July 1, 2021
It is with appreciation for all her contributions to this association that I announce the departure of Kat Michel, Sr. Manager, Member Services, from AATA as she begins the next phase of her career. She has shared with us an incredible 7 years of passion, grace, and impact for what is now a stronger AATA.
Art Therapy and Music Therapy Licensure Bill Introduced in Ohio!
July 1, 2021
On June 26, 2021, Ohio representatives C. Allison Russo and Jamie Callender introduced House Bill 359 to license and regulate art therapists and music therapists.
Members, Be a Part of AATA’s Strategic Planning Process
June 3, 2021
During the member virtual meeting on May 27th, President Dr. Margaret Carlock-Russo and President-Elect Dr. Girija Kaimal laid out 5 “pillars,” or key issue areas, that AATA will focus on in the coming years, as well as goals for each pillar. But none of it will be attainable without the help of our members. Please download the full draft of the strategic plan and send us your comments at info@arttherapy.org by June 18th.
Art Therapy Programs at Marywood University and Herron School of Art and Design – IUPUI Receive Initial CAAHEP Accreditation
June 3, 2021
AATA is pleased to announce that two art therapy master’s programs received initial accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) this spring. The CAAHEP Board approved the accreditation recommendation by the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) for the art therapy graduate programs at both Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania and Herron School of Art and Design – IUPUI in Indianapolis, Indiana in May 2021.