May 7, 2020 | Andrea Davis, MA, ATR-BC, LPC-AT-S, Honors Working Group Chair
Hello from quarantine! As I sit here in my daytime pajamas, I am reminded it is time to recognize a colleague who is deserving of national recognition! The Honors Working Group is accepting applications through June 15, 2020. Be sure to check out MyAATA to find nomination forms and more information!
This year, I am excited to announce that both undergraduate and doctorate art therapy educators can now be nominated for the AATA’s Distinguished Educator Award (DEA). Also new this year, nominations for the DEA are not restricted to those educators at an AATA approved or CAAHEP accredited educational program! Art therapy educators have really had to work hard with campuses closing and the transition to online art therapy. I bet you know an art therapy educator who deserves to be nominated!
It also takes a lot of volunteer hours, passion for the profession, talent and dedication to keep the AATA going and also to grow our profession. This is your chance to recognize a colleague for their commitment to art therapy, whether it be through Association work, educating the art therapists of tomorrow, or providing clinical services to those in need. Please consider submitting an Honors Nomination and full supporting documents in one of the categories below for a deserving peer.
Please review the award categories and associated applications on MyAATA to nominate those colleagues who best fit the description for each respective award. Be sure to keep in mind that submitted nomination packets should include the Official Honors Nomination Form and all required application materials to be considered.
Honorary Life Member Award (HLM): The highest award of the American Art Therapy Association, is conferred upon Professional members of the Association in recognition of major contributions and broad influence in the field of art therapy.
Barbara Fish, HLM, PhD, ATR-BC, ATCS, LCPC (left) accepts the 2019 HLM Award during AATA’s 50th Annual Conference in Kansas City, MO from AATA President Christianne Strang, PhD, ATR-BC, CEDCAT-S (right). Read Dr. Fish’s Featured Member profile and meet the other 2019 award recipients.
Distinguished Clinician Award (DCA): 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 DCA is conferred upon Professional members of the Association for outstanding service in one of the following categories:
(a) Adult Services
(b) Adolescent Services
(c) Child Services
(d) Family Services
(e) General Services
Distinguished Educator Award (DEA): 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.
Distinguished Service Award (DSA): 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.
Jim Consoli Video/Film Award (JCA): 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.
Rudolph Arnheim Award (RAA): A Special Award designated for a non-member of the Association whose contributions have significantly impacted the art therapy profession as a whole.
Other Award: May include, but are not confined 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.
Stay safe, make art and please direct all questions and concerns to either myself at honorschair@arttherapy.org or the AATA National Office at info@arttherapy.org.