AATA News
2021 Conference Update
May 6, 2021
Thank you to all who submitted a conference proposal this year. All authors will be notified of the program decisions by May 21st. We continue to monitor the status of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the restrictions for holding in-person meetings at our conference location in San Diego. We appreciate everyone who participated in the recent survey about their plans to attend. As always, the safety and well-being of our members, conference attendees and volunteers is our primary concern and focus. We are planning to decide about the in-person event before we open early bird registration on July 1, so that all attendees will know what type of event they are registering for. As we have communicated before, regardless of whether we are able to hold an in-person conference, we do plan to also offer a virtual conference.
Announcing A New Virtual Learning Opportunity on May 22nd: Exploring Art Therapy Assumptions through the Lens of Neuroscience
April 22, 2021 | Kat Michel
The American Art Therapy Association is pleased to announce a new virtual learning offering which includes artmaking and will provide attendees with two credits of continuing education. We invite you to join us on May 22nd at 2:00 pm Eastern Time for a virtual session, Exploring Art Therapy Assumptions through the Lens of Neuroscience, presented by Christianne Strang, PhD, ATR-BC, CEDCAT-S.
BREAKING NEWS: Art Therapy Licensure is Official Law in Tennessee
April 22, 2021
We are thrilled to announce that Governor Bill Lee signed SB 101 on April 20, 2021, officially enacting the Professional Art Therapist License in Tennessee! The law will take effect July 1st, 2021. AATA congrats the Tennessee Art Therapy Association (TATA) and Tennessee’s art therapists! Tennessee is the 19th state to recognize art therapy through licensure or title protection, and the 11th to enact a specialized art therapy license.
2021 Honors: Introducing the Outstanding Applied Creative Practice Award
April 20, 2021 | Erin Partridge
This year, a new honor has been added to AATA’s annual awards that recognizes an art therapist (or current art therapy student) who has made remarkable creative contributions to the profession of art therapy as an active artist. I am pleased to announce the Outstanding Applied Creative Practice Award inspired by the life and work of art therapist, artist, author, and puppet maker, Dr. Lani Gerity Glanville.
How to Design an Undergraduate Art Therapy Internship Course: Join the Discussion
April 22, 2021 | AATA Undergraduate Subcommittee
The AATA Undergraduate Subcommittee invites art therapy educators to participate in a discussion forum on Wednesday, June 9th, at 1:00-2:00pm EST. Heather Denning and Jonathan Haag will co-facilitate our discussion on thoughts and considerations about the UG internship course. Contact Ashley Hartman for more information: ahartman@marywood.edu.
Free Virtual Event on April 28: Getting Involved! Understanding the Nominations Process and How You Can Participate
April 22, 2021
You’re invited! Join us for a free virtual event, Getting Involved! Understanding the Nominations Process and How You Can Participate, on Wednesday, April 28, at 8pm ET. This session is open to anyone who may be interested in learning more about AATA’s election process and we encourage you to join if you yourself might be considering volunteer service on the AATA’s board or nominating committee. Registration is free and you do not need to be an AATA member to attend.
AATA Statement in Support of Authentic Self Expression among Transgender Youth
April 22, 2021
The American Art Therapy Association stands in support of transgender youth. We are outraged by the onslaught of recent state legislation proposed across the country prohibiting gender-affirming care for transgender youth and banning transgender youth from participating on sports teams according to their gender identity. Simply put, these bills are dangerous because they systematically endanger the health and well-being of transgender youth.
Introducing LaToya Pegram, Conference Special Sessions Chair
April 21, 2021
I find that now more than before people are welcoming the idea of mental wellness. Whether people are being forced to connect within home or through extensive hours on screen, the pandemic has motivated many to self-reflect on values, goals, and loved ones. People have tapped into innovative and creative ideas that sparked new business ventures and ways to acquire one’s goals. The creation and exploration of genograms has been a preferred directive especially during this time as it not only teaches patterns of behavior but also provides insight to provoke awareness.
2021 Pearlie Roberson Annual Award
April 15, 2021 | Craig Siegel
Members of the AATA are encouraged to apply for the Pearlie Roberson Annual Scholarship Award, honoring Pearlie Roberson, an African American artist and art therapy client. The award provides financial support for work undertaken by a student or professional member of AATA, which targets multicultural aspects and capacities of art therapy in the community. The application deadline is May 1, 2021.
Tennessee Art Therapy Licensure Bill Passes! Now Awaits Governor’s Signature
April 8, 2021
We are thrilled to announce that the art therapy licensure bill (HB 183) passed the Tennessee House of Representatives on April 5, 2021! The bill, having passed the Senate in March, was delivered to Governor Bill Lee on April 7th. According to Tennessee procedures, the Governor has 10 days (excluding Sundays) to sign or veto legislation, or it becomes law without a signature. We expect action by April 19, 2021. We are looking forward to sharing more updates soon!