December 17, 2020
In this season of joy and cheer, I wish you a happy holiday. This year in particular, we welcome the celebration of kindness, hope and humanity toward one another that so many of you have shown by your spirit, words and actions. You have shown up for your clients in their times of need, often risking your personal safety and putting your own struggles to the side. You’ve brought warmth into our art therapy community and helped ease the burdens of others during an unprecedentedly challenging year.
More than 300,000 families are still grappling with the loss of their loved ones, and millions more are trying to recover, caring for ill family members, or facing the crippling economic hardships of the pandemic. Simultaneously, we continue to reckon with our nation’s ongoing and historic racial injustices-and the racial trauma in the aftermath of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so many others. During such difficult times, the work you do as mental health professionals, educators, and community members brings solace and hope to so many.
On behalf of the AATA Board of Directors and National Office staff, we are so proud to be part of your art therapy community. We wish you safety, rejuvenation, and peace this holiday season.
Sincerely,
Margaret Carlock-Russo, EdD, LCAT(NY), ATR-BC, ATCS