AATA News
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.
Lewis & Clark College Takes in Displaced Art Therapy Graduate Program in Oregon
July 12, 2018
The AATA is thrilled to share the news that art therapy graduate students who were enrolled at Marylhurst University will be able to complete their degrees at Lewis & Clark’s Graduate School of Education and Counseling! Following Marylhurst’s sudden closure announced in May, faculty and students found themselves in a state of uncertainty, not knowing where they would continue their education and careers. Marylhurst was home to the only AATA-approved art therapy program in Oregon, one of 34 approved programs across the country.
Nominating Committee Presents the 2018 Candidate Slate
July 12, 2018 | By Gioia Chilton
The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the 2018 election slate for leadership positions for the American Art Therapy Association. The AATA Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee extend their collective gratitude to the individuals represented on this year’s ballot for their willingness to serve the Association. In support of AATA’s mission and critical strategic priorities, the Board and the Nominating Committee remain committed to increasing diverse representation across all volunteer positions. All individuals nominated for a volunteer position have been asked to run for this election.
New Hampshire Governor Sununu Signs Art Therapy Title Protection Bill into Law
July 5, 2018
Today, Governor Chris Sununu’s office announced that Senate Bill 535 is among 70 bills the Governor has signed into law. SB 535 provides title and practice protection, authorizing persons holding a master’s or doctoral degree in art therapy to practice professional art therapy in New Hampshire. Effective July 1, 2018, persons who do not hold master’s or doctoral degrees in art therapy are prohibited from using the titles “professional art therapist” and “art therapist,” in addition to any other words, letters, or abbreviations that may indicate or imply that they are professional art therapists.
Ohio House Committee Supports House Bill 557 Art Therapy Licensure and Regulation
July 5, 2018 | By Molly Kometiani
On June 6th, HB 557 passed with overwhelming support from the Ohio House Health Committee! The legislature is now in summer recess, but we are looking forward to the House vote in the Fall Session. This process continues to be a group effort, and we want to take the time to thank all who are involved.
Research Committee’s Call for Proposal for the Research Roundtable
July 5, 2018
Description: The Research Roundtable provides a forum for student, junior, and accomplished researchers to present their research proposals and projects in various phases of completion to an audience of peers, colleagues, and experts. The purpose of the Research Roundtable is to create a dynamic environment that is mutually beneficial to researchers and audience.
Message from the AATA Board Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Initiative
June 28, 2018
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) are core to the American Art Therapy Association’s vision that the services of licensed, culturally proficient art therapists are available to all individuals, families, and communities. The success of our mission is dependent on DE&I, as we work with members on advocacy, education, networking opportunities, research, and all we do to move the profession forward. Everyone benefits when we allow diversity to influence our approaches, ensure our work results in equitable outcomes, and are inclusive of everyone that can advance AATA’s purpose.
Art Therapists Make the Case for Regulation in Virginia
By Clara Keane | June 28, 2018 | Advocacy | Events
On the morning of June 26, 2018, fifteen art therapists gathered for an open comment hearing during a meeting of the Virginia Board of Health Professions (BHP) to speak to the need to regulate art therapy to protect the public. The PHP’s initial draft report was positive, acknowledging the potential harm to the public if art therapy remains unregulated.