AATA News
AATA President Speaks to Art Therapists’ Role in Covid Recovery during NY Senate Meeting
October 21, 2020
AATA President Margaret Carlock-Russo, EdD, LCAT, ATR-BC, ATCS, spoke about the healing benefits of art therapy in times of trauma during a New York State Senate Virtual Public Meeting on October 21, 2020. New York State Senator Jose M. Serrano, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, opened the “Arts & Mental Health” panel recognizing that “the arts have restorative value for our mental health, as we navigate anxieties, grief, trauma, and other emotional challenges roused by the COVID pandemic.”
We Invite You to Participate in a DEI Listening Session
October 20, 2020 | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) has opened registration for the first three of twelve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Listening Sessions. Similar to focus groups, these listening sessions are facilitated discussions with groups of art therapists, students, and other stakeholders in the art therapy community. Our goal is to learn through hearing diverse experiences, views, and responses to questions about DEI in the field.
Vote with Mental Health in Mind — 2020 AATA Guide
October 19, 2020
As mental health professionals, art therapists are closely connected with the needs of the communities they serve, especially now during the Coronavirus pandemic. Election Day is an opportunity to be a champion for your clients—and an advocate for mental health and the values that are core to our profession.
The Detailed Program for the AATA Virtual Conference is Here!
October 8, 2020 | Susan Boxer Kappel
We’re thrilled to share the detailed program for AATA’s 2020 virtual conference, Art Therapy Connected: Advancing Mental Health in a Virtual World. The 3-day program provides 57 hours of learning and continuing education. A very special thank you to our presenters who prepared their content at least a month earlier than usual in order to be recorded for the conference!
Stay Safe and Healthy—and Show Pride for Your Profession with our New Masks!
October 8, 2020
At a time when our country is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis on top of a pandemic, art therapists are on the job, helping people of all ages experiencing stress, anxiety and trauma. Let’s celebrate these amazing heroes supporting mental health everyday, and show pride for the art therapy profession!
AATA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Progress Report
October 8, 2020
We want to update our members about AATA’s Strategic Priority of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and share some upcoming next steps—and how to get more involved.
2020 Election Results are in – Thank You for Voting!
September 24, 2020 | Gioia Chilton
The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the 2020 election results for leadership positions with the American Art Therapy Association. These newly-elected leaders will be installed after the annual conference and before the end of the year, more information is coming soon. Thank you to everyone who participated in these elections!
Honoring the Life of Art Therapy Pioneer Myra Levick
September 24, 2020
The art therapy community mourns the loss of Myra Levick, PhD, ATR-BC, a legendary pioneer in the field of art therapy. Dr. Levick helped found the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) in 1969 and served as our first president. Dr. Levick was a powerful advocate for education, the arts, and mental health—but also a passionate leader, visionary, mentor, and friend who touched the lives of so many of us. She will be missed every day.
Art Therapy is Particularly Effective in Times of Crisis
September 24, 2020
In the survey, we asked respondents: “As an art therapist, how would you describe to someone unfamiliar with the profession why art therapy is uniquely suited to support mental health during this pandemic?” The survey takers explained that art therapy is particularly effective during times of crisis, especially in coping with isolation, changes in circumstance, trauma, and grief.
What’s Happening Outside the Virtual Learning Classroom at AATA’s 2020 Conference?
September 24, 2020 | Susan Boxer Kappel
The AATA 2020 virtual conference, Art Therapy Connected: Advancing Mental Health in a Virtual World will provide a rich and diverse program that includes exceptional education, networking and special features that will offer attendees with opportunities to connect, explore and reinvigorate their professional careers. Our presenters are in the process of having their sessions recorded, and we will be adding in educational program details to the agenda in early-October. In the meantime, please explore a sampling of the offerings we have planned outside the virtual classroom! We’ll have activities for personal growth and reflection, networking, community art projects, and celebrations!