May 3, 2018
Annie Wallace, MEd., MA, LPC-Intern, is passionate about the arts, education, and healing. She earned her Master’s in Education from Rutgers University in the area of Creative Arts Education and another Master’s in Counseling from Amberton University. While working with children in the state of Texas as a Certified Special Ed. Teacher, Wallace graduated from Art Therapy Institute, formerly in Dallas, and is now close to completing her internship as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is also doing research on the theme of creativity and spiritual growth in curriculum for students with disabilities. Of her career path, she says, “I am living proof that God has a sense of humor because I am a legally-blind professional art therapist! I enjoy working with special needs persons of all ages and coin the phrase ‘Persons with POSSibilities.’
Ms. Wallace has been an active member of the AATA and the North Texas Art Therapy Association (NTATA) for over 15 years. She shares, “The 2009 conference allowed me to connect with other art therapists with POSSibilities like loss of eyesight and blindness and how to remain active in the art therapy community.”
When asked why art therapy is effective, Wallace says, “Art therapy gives us a voice when words are not possible. It creates a safe environment to share our joys and griefs.” She appreciates the possibility for growth and connection through art, stating:
Embracing differences can give us strength in acceptance and allow us a stronger voice to communicate with others. Art therapists are already an extremely valued and needed professional population in the world, and it is my desire that we will be recognized as such by other similar professions and social agencies. Our training and education is highly specialized and deserves to be afforded its rightful value.
”Chrysanthemums” by Annie Wallace. March, 1978. Foil and marker. Artist’s statement: “I just thought it would be fun to combine the brightness of markers and the reflective quality of foil.”