HONORS AND AWARDS
The American Art Therapy Association honors excellence in the art therapy profession through its annual awards, honors, and scholarships. Every year, we recognize AATA members who have made strides in research, education, and their own practices. The awards ceremony is held during the annual in-person conference as well as during an All-Member Meeting.
Professional members of the Association may nominate art therapists to be awarded honors for their outstanding contributions. Log in to MyAATA to learn more.
HOW TO APPLY
To view the full requirements for each award please click here. You must be a member to access the application. For questions, please contact the National Office at info@arttherapy.org.
LIST OF AWARDS
HONORARY LIFE MEMBER (HLM)
The highest award the American Art Therapy Association can offer to any member. It is conferred upon Professional members of the Association in recognition of major contributions whose broad influence in the field of art therapy justifies the award.
In 2023, as AATA’s Board began to examine successful contemporary practices among other associations, they learned that many associations honor their members (plural) through “fellows” programs as a call for continued service to the profession.
Additional opportunities will be announced as the AATA creates a completely new Fellowship program. More information will be published as it becomes available.
DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR AWARD
Conferred on a Professional member of the Association in recognition of significant contributions to the education of professionals in the field of art therapy, specifically in the area of outstanding teaching and the development of innovative educational practices.
JIM CONSOLI VIDEO/FILM AWARD
Conferred on a member(s) of the Association in recognition of their contribution to the field of art therapy through the completion of a video/film of high quality that adds to the existing fund of knowledge about the profession.
OUTSTANDING APPLIED CREATIVE PRACTICE AWARD
The Outstanding Applied Creative Practice Award is a special award designated for an active member of the American Art Therapy Association whose contributions as an artist and art therapist (or student in a current art therapy program) have significantly influenced the art therapy profession.
RUDOLPH ARNHEIM AWARD
A Special Award designated for a non-member of the Association whose contributions have significantly impacted the art therapy profession as a whole.
DISTINGUISHED CLINICIAN AWARD
Differs from the other awards in that the focus is on the nominee’s work with clients, rather than on service to the Association or contributions to the field of art therapy in general. The ATCA is conferred upon Professional members of the Association for outstanding service in one of the following categories:
- Adult Services
- Adolescent Services
- Child Services
- Family Services
- General Services
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Conferred on a Professional member of the Association in recognition of significant contributions to the field of art therapy, specifically in the area of the Association’s internal development as well as its relationship with other organizations.
OTHER FORM
The “Other Form” award may include, but is not limited to, recognition for long-term, productive involvement in the functions of the Association, outstanding achievements and/or contributions to the field of art therapy, including individuals who have advanced the profession in other parts of the globe. Outstanding therapists who have retired or are approaching retirement may be appropriate recipients. Posthumous awards may be included in this category. “Other Awards” are also meant to recognize meritorious contributions that may be unprecedented.