AATA News
Statement by the American Art Therapy Association on the Death of George Floyd
May 28, 2020
As mental health professionals, art therapists see the dreadful effects of racism in our communities every day. This week, our nation witnessed via bystander video the exceptionally horrific death of George Floyd. A police officer pinned Mr. Floyd down to the ground with his knee, applying his full body weight to his neck for four more minutes after he had stopped moving. Mr. Floyd’s last words were, “I can’t breathe.”
Join us for Hill Day at Home: Advocate for Mental Health
May 21, 2020
Join the National Council for Behavioral Health and the American Art Therapy Association for Hill Day at Home, June 23-24, 2020! The event includes a full day of sessions and workshops on behavioral health policy followed by a series of advocacy events you can participate in from home.
Art Therapy Programs at Nazareth College and Springfiel College Receive Initial CAAHEP Accreditation
May 21, 2020
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 Master of Science in Creative Arts Therapy, Art Therapy Specialization program at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York in March and the Art Therapy/Counseling program at Springfield College in Springfield Massachusetts in May, 2020.
Call for Nominations for Volunteer Officers and Directors of the Board
May 20, 2020 | Gioia Chilton
From responding to the global pandemic to moving forward with professional education and licensure, our art therapy association requires an active and engaged Board of Directors. Many of AATA’s members have incredible energy and skills that could benefit our organization. The Nominating Sub-Committee encourages you to bring forward that expertise through the nominations process and through participating in the association’s elections!
In-Person Conference, Virtual—or Both: We’re Planning for Every Contingency
May 19, 2020 | Susan Boxer Kappel
During these challenging times of Coronavirus, we understand the apprehension about making plans to attend a conference which may require air travel and a hotel stay—and is still five months away. Given the feedback we are receiving from our members, we are developing plans to ensure that everyone will have an opportunity to participate in the AATA 2020 Conference in some shape or form, be it in person or virtually.
Call for Nominations: Nancy Schoebel Distinguished Legislative Service Award
May 7, 2020
The American Art Therapy Association has opened the call for nominations for the Nancy Schoebel Distinguished Legislative Award. Nancy Schoebel was an inspiring art therapist and a vigorous supporter of art therapy at the local, state, and national levels.
Research Awards and More Opportunities to Get Involved in Art Therapy Research
May 7, 2020 | Jill McNutt
The AATA Research Committee is committed to “encouraging, supporting, and promoting a broad base of research that is grounded in diverse methodologies.” Read about the annual research awards and grants offered to AATA members and more opportunities to get involved in Art Therapy research.
2020 Call for Honors: Recognize your Peers, Mentors, and Influencers
May 7, 2020 | Andrea Davis
The Honors Working Group is accepting applications through June 15, 2020. This is your chance to recognize a colleague for their commitment to art therapy, whether it be through Association work, educating the art therapists of tomorrow, or providing clinical services to those in need. Check out MyAATA to find nomination forms and more information!
Apply for AATA’s 2020 Seed Grant for Art Therapy Clinical Research & Read about the 2018 Recipients’ Work
May 7, 2020 | Girija Kaimal
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, two exciting seed grants to promote art therapy research were funded in 2018. This was a first in the 50 year history of the AATA. Read about these two initial projects, one funded to study art therapy as a treatment for pain and the second to support immigrant and refugee mental at the US/Mexico border. We are delighted to offer another Seed Grant for Art Therapy Clinical Research this year! Find details on the 2020 application process below. If you have an innovative and collaborative research idea, make sure to submit your application by the July 15, 2020 deadline.
Collective Healing at AATA’s 51st Annual Conference
May 6, 2020 | Susan Boxer Kappel
During these challenging times of coronavirus, we are all looking forward to an opportunity to see our colleagues and friends again. At the AATA’s 51st Annual Conference to be held October 29 to November 1, 2020, we will strive to provide a healing and rejuvenating atmosphere to work through the trauma and isolation we have all experienced during the past few months, including a special plenary on collective healing. Early bird registration is now open!