Join us for the AATA2024
Virtual Conference
Oct. 26 – 27, 2024
Introducing the AATA2024 SIG-apalooza!
Curious about an AATA Shared Interest Group? Shared Interest Groups, or SIGs, were created to help art therapists find community at AATA conferences – and year-round through the MyAATA Member Community. SIGs are led by AATA members to create connection and a space for art therapists to support each other. Please join a SIG according to your interests and based on how you personally identify.
At this year’s Virtual Conference, we are hosting a SIG-apalooza! During the lunch breaks, SIG leaders will be hosting mini “open houses” to introduce the community to their own groups. These will be short, informal, 20-minute chats so that attendees can attend multiple sessions to find a SIG (or more than one) to find community.
If you are attending the AATA2024 Virtual Conference, please jump into a SIG room according to your interest, and based on how you personally identify. Please keep in mind that some SIGs (like the Advocacy or Journal group welcomes everyone, there are other groups that are exclusively for the community members, such as BIPOC).
Saturday, October 26
12:45 – 1:05 pm
Advocacy/Licensure
This SIG is an opportunity to discuss the path towards an independent art therapy license. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and concerns regarding how and why to advocate for state licensure. Examples will be shared of how licensure has been achieved in various states and how it has supported art therapists and consumers alike.
Point of Contact: Elizabeth Hlavek
Students
Are you a college student in the field of art therapy, whether you’re currently in school or already working? Join this “Shared Interest Group” at the conference to connect, ask questions, and build community with fellow students who share your passion! This group provides a unique opportunity to network and engage in meaningful conversations with peers and facilitators who are here to help guide discussions, answer your questions, and foster connections. This isn’t an art therapy session; it’s a chance to broaden your network, share experiences, and learn from each other. Come ready to engage, connect, and expand your professional circle!
Point of Contact: Dejah Chapple
1:05 – 1:25 pm
LGBTQIA+
This special interest group is welcoming those who identify as LGBTQIA+ to join together in solidarity across differences as art therapists, students, educators, supervisors, and cultural workers. Our aim is to build community, share experiences, and make art together in this unique space. Join us!
Point of Contact: Kachina Mooney
Neuroscience and Research SIGs
We invite all art therapists who are interested in the impact of the neurosciences and research on the theory and practice of art therapy.
Point of Contact: Juliet King
1:25 – 1:45 pm
BIPOC
A gathering for art therapists identifying as Black, Indigenous or from a racially-oppressed peoples to share their clinical, personal, and career experiences. This is a dedicated space for art therapists from racially oppressed backgrounds to have the opportunity to connect and support one another. We’re welcoming equitable and productive dialogue.
We invite attendees who self-identify as BIPOC only to attend this SIG session, in the interest of creating a safe space for conversation.
Point of Contact: Delora Putnam Bryant
AATA Journal and Publishing
For aspiring and seasoned authors, editorial members of Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association will entertain questions about the publication process, alleviate misconceptions, and offer advice to authors. Participants are encouraged to identify knowledge from their practices to make notable contributions to the art therapy literature.
Point of Contact: Emily Nolan
Sunday, October 27
12:45 – 1:05 pm ET
Museums
This SIG is for art therapists who have worked in museum or gallery settings or have an interest in doing so. Our aim is to create a space for sharing resources and create a community of practice regarding this unique practice space/interest. We strive for rich dialogue among like-minded peers engaged in the work of providing art therapy services- from consultation to workshops to therapeutic and therapy practice-within the space of museums and/or galleries of all types.
Point of Contact: Kathryn Snyder
Asian Culture
Who are Asians? What are some existing strengths that we can continue to build upon, and what are the areas where we need improvement in our field and within AATA regarding mental health and art therapy for Asians? What actions can we, both as individual and collectively, take to promote mental health and wellbeing among Asians and the public? Do we need international connections, and if so, why? If not, why not? Join this Shared Interest Group to begin/advance the discussion.
Points of Contact: Maria Kim
1:05 – 1:25 pm
School-based Art Therapy
This SIG is and opportunity for those currently working in schools and those interested in School-based Art Therapy to build a community of support and to build capacity in numbers to advocate for the need and expansion of art therapy in schools. We will share triumphs and challenges as we establish a forum of support to extend beyond the conference.
Points of Contact: Craig Siegel
Disaster Response
We invite attendees to share their experiences of how art therapy is beneficial in supporting those who have gone through natural disasters, mass violence, and crises. Open discussion on staying connected, with updates on prior and current art therapy disaster relief efforts.
Points of Contact: Joseph Scarce
1:25 – 1:45 pm
Veterans
This session will provide the opportunity for participants to discuss experiences working with active-duty service members, veterans, their families within a variety of settings or their own experience as a service member. Participants will be provided with the opportunity to share information about their settings and help further build a community of support within the professional organization.
Point of Contact: Rachel Mims
International
This meeting is for anyone interested in international art therapy, for those living and working in other countries, or international students studying in the US. Come network with art therapists from around the world to discover what is happening in various regions and inform others of your interests and skills for collaborations.
Point of Contact: Susan Anand