AATA Blog

Small Communities: Care & Participation
By Magdalena Karlick, Ph.D-c, ATR-BC, LPCC
“Community overlaps and relationship intersections are not just found in the (multi-dimensional) queer communities of small towns/cities. I have had many roles in the small city that I live and work in… These public roles have encouraged the practice of being myself all the time, as well as the practice of humility when it’s my responsibility to repair an overstep.”

Write a Letter to Help us License Virginia Art Therapists
We are excited to report that over 50 letters have been sent, but the work isn’t done yet. To ensure the licensure of our profession it is crucial we continue contacting with these individuals until our voices are heard. You can also attend the next Art Therapy Advisory Board meeting in Henrico, Virginia on October 18th to show your support.

Everyday Art Club: Art for Anyone, Art for Everyone
Art Club starts with the core belief that creativity and art-making are for everyone. A year and a half ago, we started running art events out of my living room. The art events have long since evolved and changed, and become what we now know as Everyday Art Club.

Exploring Belonging and Well-Being in the Context of Immigration
Join me next week for a special AAPI Heritage Month event, “Pen, Crystal Bracelet and Furniture: Exploring the Complexities of Belonging and Well-Being.” April 30, 7pm

A Look at Three of AATA’s 2023 Research Award Winners
With this year’s research awards applications in mind, we invite you to take a look at a few of the winners below and their research commitments to art therapy.

How Two Art Therapists Celebrated Creative Arts Therapy Week at their Hospitals
We talked to two art therapists, Lisa Wasserman, PsyD, ATR-BC, ATCS, and Lourdes “Lulu” Figueroa, MPS, ATR, about the work they do in hospitals, and how they celebrated Creative Arts Therapies Week.

Join the International Shared Interest Group. Meet Global Art Therapists During our Virtual Meetings
Attention AATA members interested in international art therapy work or for those who identify as international members or students: Join us May 4!

Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association Hosts a Hill Day
On March 20, 2024, members of the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association (PAATA) met at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, PA for Hill Day. Several PAATA members convened to advocate and speak with the public about the need for an independent Art Therapy License in Pennsylvania (LPAT).

Chapter Advocacy Updates: Accomplishments from 2023 and 2024
Advocating for licensure isn’t just about advocating for practicing art therapists: it’s about calling for increased access to mental health professionals and keeping the profession sustainable for future art therapists. Here’s a look at AATA chapter advocacy and how you can help.

Florida Art Therapy Association Hosts a Licensure Advocacy Event
The Florida Art Therapy Association (FATA) in collaboration with the Florida State University (FSU) Art Therapy Program, hosted an art therapy advocacy convening on Friday, November 17th. The event brought together a diverse community to support House Bill 51 and Senate Bill 878, which would create rt therapy licensure.