AATA News
The AATA and the ACA Issue Joint Response to the Attorney General’s Remarks on Mental Health in Higher Institutions
August 2, 2018
On July 24th the Attorney General Jeff Sessions addressed an audience of high schoolers at Turning Point USA’s High School Leadership Summit and accused many higher institutions of “doing everything they can to create a generation of sanctimonious, sensitive, supercilious snowflakes.” In his remarks, he listed therapy dogs, art materials – specifically coloring books and playdough – and art activities, such as encouraging students to “draw about their feelings,” as examples. Read the speech transcript here.
The American Art Therapy Association and the American Counseling Association (ACA) collaborated in writing a formal response, asserting that his “remarks were highly misguided and they further stigmatize young people who seek mental health services and ways to manage stress at a critical transitional time in their lives.”
AATA Elections Now Open! (August 1-31, 2018)
August 2, 2018
All voting members are encouraged to participate in the election of volunteer leadership positions with the American Art Therapy Association. Voting opened Wednesday, August 1 and will remain open until Friday, August 31 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT). All voting members should have received an e-mail from Association Voting with instructions to cast an online vote. If you have not received this message and you have questions about the voting process or would prefer to receive a paper ballot, please contact the AATA National Office via phone (888-290-0878) or e-mail (info@arttherapy.org).
Save the Date: New MyAATA Online Member Community Opens August 8
August 2, 2018
We are excited to announce the launch of the online MyAATA Community forum on Wednesday, August 8th! The MyAATA Community is a platform for members to explore, network, and engage with each other and with industry experts throughout the year. We invite you to login to MyAATA beginning next Wednesday to join with your colleagues in building this new community. Hope to see you there!
In Memoriam: Sister Kathleen Burke
August 2, 2018
It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Sister Kathleen Burke, OSU, PhD, ATR-BC, LPC on July 24, 2018 at the age of 81. In 1986, Sister Kathleen founded the Master of Arts in Art Therapy Program of Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio and was its Director until 1999. She continued teaching part-time until her “retirement” in 2016. As an Ursuline Sister, art therapist, professional counselor, award winning photographer, and educator, Sister Kathleen’s life ministry included using art to enrich the quality of life for others and to inspire countless with her teaching, creativity, and service.
Editor in Chief Sought for Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association
August 2, 2018
The American Art Therapy Association seeks applications for the position of Editor of Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association. The journal is a peer-reviewed scholarly publication which has a readership comprised of educators, practitioners, and students. Its mission is to inform the readership of research, recent innovations, and critical issues related to art therapy. Deadline for nominations or applications is no later than September 30, 2018.
AEM Hi Arts Donates Art Kits to Conference Attendees!
July 26, 2018
There are so many reasons to get excited about the American Art Therapy Association’s 49th Annual Conference to be held in Miami, Florida, October 31 to November 4, 2018. One of them is that each and every conference attendee will receive a complimentary art kit courtesy of AEM Hi Arts!
AEM stands for Art Exploration for Mankind, and the organization’s mission is “To provide the finest art supplies at competitive prices while donating to more organizations in need than any other arts company on the planet.”
In Memoriam: Laura Greenstone
July 26, 2018
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Laura Greenstone, MS, LPC, ATR-BC, on July 18, 2018. The art therapy community has lost a colleague who made significant contributions both clinically and legislatively, laboring behind the scenes to promote the field and advance its recognition. Laura provided art therapy to those struggling with trauma, domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Memories and quotes about Laura are welcome and will comprise a fuller tribute in an upcoming issue of ATT; please send submissions to info@arttherapy.org by Friday, August 3rd.
Volunteer Opportunity: Art Therapists for Interview Support and Clinical Services for Separated Families
July 20, 2018 | By Peggy Kolodny
Ever since the “zero tolerance” policy was announced in May, the Maryland Art Therapy Association (MATA) has been in contact with the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) to mobilize the art therapy community in any way we can to help these children. Children separated at the border and the other unaccompanied minors in this country need our help. While information about the children and access to offer services has been limited, immigration attorneys across the country have been working very hard to represent and advocate for these children to be reunited with their caregivers and given access to trauma-informed services.
Welcome to Miami! Bienvenidos a Miami! Akeyi Miyami pou!
July 19, 2018 | By Craig Siegel
The Local Arrangements Committee is excited to host the American Art Therapy Association’s 49th Annual Conference in beautiful Miami, Florida, October 31 to November 4, 2018. Miami is the ultimate destination that offers more than amazing beaches, hip restaurants, and trendy shopping; Miami is also home to some of the best contemporary art and unique cultures.
AATA Grant Supports FATA Community Painting Event Hosted by NAMI
July 19, 2018 | By Joseph Scarce
The Florida Art Therapy Association (FATA) was awarded an AATA Trauma Recovery grant to cover the cost of materials for a painting event hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Collier County and Project H.O.P.E, a support organization serving those impacted by Hurricane Irma, which made landfall in Florida on September 10, 2017.