November 9, 2017
Peter J. Buotte, MFA, MPS is working toward his LPC and ATR. In December 2016, Mr. Buotte completed 28 years of combined Active and Reserve service in the US Army, culminating as a Lieutenant Colonel with five combat tours overseas. Now, he works as the Healing Arts Therapy Program Coordinator at the Intrepid Spirit, Fort Hood, TX. He fosters a safe, supportive environment for therapeutic self-expression for Active Duty military patients who have post-traumatic stress and/or mild traumatic brain injury.
Buotte feels connected to the AATA community: “When I became an AATA member as a graduate student at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in NYC, I felt part of a caring nationwide community. Two supervisors, Robert Grant [ATR-BC, LCAT] and Liz DelliCarpini [ATR-BC, LCAT] epitomized the diversity, skill, and professionalism of the larger AATA community.” He continues, “In December 2016 at my first South Texas Chapter meeting in Austin, I immediately felt welcomed as a colleague. Each member cares about everyone’s success. I enjoy the camaraderie and can-do approach. On a national level, I am starting to connect with the Assembly of Chapters (AOC) and learning my role as the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) representative of our Chapter.
Of the effectiveness of art therapy, Buotte notes, “At its deepest, the art therapy process can go beyond the verbal — and even beyond the recognizable image —in order to emotionally engage with the patient/client.” Having just completed his first professional year in the field, Buotte remains focused on “pursuing licensure and certification while continuing to hone a safe, therapeutic experience for the patient.” In the future, he hopes to contribute to the body of evidence-based research where art therapy meets neuroscience.
He is an active artist, and his sculptures were featured in a group show in June 2015 at the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago, and, most recently, in a nationwide juried Veterans art exhibit in Aspen, Colorado.
“Veteran with PTSD” by Peter Buotte. Digitally-printed sculpture on granite base, 2016.
Artist statement: “The Spirit of Survival is a nationwide sculpture program which seeks Wounded Warriors to voluntarily pose as a sculpture. The intent is to provide honor and dignity to today’s Veteran who was physically and/or mentally wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan. It acknowledges the reality of invisible wounds and includes Veterans of all services, ranks, genders, ages, and heritages.”