July 19, 2018 | By Craig Siegel, MA, ATR-BC, ATCS, Local Arrangements Committee Chair 

The Local Arrangements Committee is excited to host the American Art Therapy Association’s 49th Annual Conference in beautiful Miami, Florida, October 31 to November 4, 2018.  Miami is the ultimate destination that offers more than amazing beaches, hip restaurants, and trendy shopping; Miami is also home to some of the best contemporary art and unique cultures.  Escape into the sunny paradise this fall and enjoy Miami’s 3,200 average hours of annual sunshine!  Click here to learn more and to register!

The AATA conference hotel is Downtown near the Brickell City Center, Bayfront Park, Bayside Shopping, Dining & Entertainment, Port of Miami, Little Havana, the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and much more!  From beachfront art deco buildings to the galleries and “murals as art” like the Wynwood Arts District – Miami is rich with the arts.

Miami is the new epicenter of the local, national, and global art scene. To say that we’re located in one of the world’s most appealing hotspots for international arts and entertainment, is an understatement. Miami is home to internationally renowned, Art Basel, an annual show of leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa showing significant work from the masters of Modern and contemporary art, as well the new generation of emerging stars. Our NIGHT ON THE TOWN event on Thursday, November 1st will highlight this exploding art scene.

Please plan to join us for the Night on the Town Event: An Evening at the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) on Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  There is no cost to attend and pre-registration is not required. Transportation is available via the free Metromover, and admission to the Museum is free that evening and open to the public.  PAMM provides a cash bar for “happy hour” on the patio of the Museum along with live music.  Explore the museum, have a drink with friends, and listen to the music while gazing at the beautiful bay.

You can continue your Thursday night by catching the free trolley to the Wynwood Arts District where you can stroll the streets that are filled with vibrant murals, peek into galleries highlighting the local art scene, or find a restaurant, coffee shop, bar, or food truck to refuel.  Directions for where and how to access all local transportation will be available at the LAC Hospitality Table.  Or you may choose to take a leisurely stroll to Bayside Marketplace to pick up souvenirs, enjoy one of the many dining options, or even take a moonlight boat tour of Miami.  Stop by the Hospitality Table at the conference to pick up more information on these excursions.  Of course you can always catch an Uber, Lyft or Taxi and head to South Beach to explore as well…or for a little local flavor, take a short ride to Little Havana’s BALL AND CHAIN, one of Miami’s premiere bars and lounges featuring live Latin music and Salsa dancing until 2:00 AM!

Every season in Miami is magical…Feeling Hot, Hot HotWith an average temperature in the low 80’s you’ll want to be sure to pack your tropical wear especially if you plan to attend the Closing Event on Saturday November 3, from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m.  The theme for this year’s closing reception is Tropical Elegance.  In typical Miami style, we’re keeping it easy and breezy with a party theme designed to showcase Miami’s warm nights and cool vibes. Attendees are encouraged to dress in white for an evening of tropical elegance – break out your white linen and/or your most elegant beach attire.  Far from bland, this theme will be the perfect backdrop for a night flavored by Miami’s many cultures.  Get your ticket early for this event, and most of all, get to the party early.  We will be kicking off the celebration with a live steel drum music setting the rhythmic tones of the Caribbean and a special visit from an entertainer that will take our closing reception to new heights.  Then guests are invited to dance the night away as a local DJ spins Miami inspired tunes as well as classics that are guaranteed to keep you on the dance floor.  If you have a Full Conference Registration Package, a ticket to this event is included, if not, be sure to visit the Conference Registration desk before they close on Saturday afternoon to purchase a ticket, as they are not sold at the door.

We plan to give back to our community, and we want you to be part of this.  We’ve planned three activities for you to consider:

  • BRING: Leave with your suitcase lighter, but your heart fuller – Bring an item or items to donate of professional (business attire) clothing or accessories such as shoes, belts, handbags and costume jewelry to provide to women and men in need so they may have appropriate clothes for employment interviews and to successfully engage in the workforce.
  • DO: Beach Clean-up – Start your Saturday morning with a Yoga experience at sunrise on the beach followed by an opportunity to help beautify the environment. Transportation will be provided to take attendees to Virginia Key Beach Park (click the link to learn about the historical and cultural importance of Virginia Key).  Our community service project reflects this year’s conference theme of honoring the past, contributing to the needs of the present, and building for an everlasting future.  Participants will conclude the morning with an opportunity to create a temporary art piece with some of the “found objects.” If you are interested in participating in this event, please RSVP not later than October 1.
  • MAKE: Share the Gesture of Warmth – We’ll continue the theme started by the New Mexico Art Therapy Association in 2017, and provide opportunities to knit hats, scarves, blankets, etc. to be donated to the local children’s hospital cancer units.  And, you can also bring your own handmade completed items with you to the conference.

The Local Arrangements Committee is also planning to host several informal “meet and greet” opportunities for individuals who identify with any of these groups: LGBTQIA, Multicultural, and Men.  These events are scheduled for Wednesday, October 31, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in various locations around the main lobby and hotel bar and are designed for conference attendees to make connections with peers.  If there are additional groups that would like to convene meet-ups, please email 2018.aata.lac@gmail.com.

Congratulations to Deborah Carl, MA, ATR-BC, CPRP, from Ohio who is the winner of the LAC Raffle and won a Full Conference Registration package to attend the Miami conference!  Deborah is a practicing art therapist, primarily serving Veterans, and proud to be serving as the Clinical Director at the oldest community art therapy studio in the country.  When learning about her winning ticket, Deborah exclaimed, “I am thrilled to be the raffle winner and I look forward to spending time with my colleagues in Miami, FL!”  Congratulations, Deborah!

For those of you who may be distraught that your ticket was not selected, fear not…the Florida Art Therapy Association will be hosting a new raffle during the conference in Miami!  This time, we will be raffling off the cost of one (1) night’s stay at the conference hotel (estimated at $200).  Please make sure you stop by the Hospitality Booth in Miami to try your luck.  We will announce the winner at the closing reception so remember to bring your ticket along with your dancing shoes!

Last but not least, advanced registration is now open! Register early for the lowest rates and best selection of workshops, and advanced practice courses. This year our program features more than 260 educational sessions through which you can learn the newest techniques and expand your knowledge. You’ll also be able to network with leading art therapists and earn continuing education! Remember that AATA members receive a discount, so be sure to join or renew before registering!

BACK TO NEWS

Loading...