Elections are open. Get your vote in today!  To ensure that the AATA community fully and fairly represents our members, we need broad engagement from you in the elections process. The AATA’s Board of Directors should truly represent your interests, your needs, and your clients – so make sure that your voice is heard by participating in the annual elections. Information about online voting has been released, and elections are open now through August 31, 2019. Read on for FAQs on the voting process and board leadership.

Our hearts are broken for the communities of Dayton, Ohio, El Paso, Texas, and Gilroy, California, where shooters took the lives of 34 people and injured dozens more in the course of one week. In the United States, mass shootings are a public health crisis – enabled by easy-access to assault weapons and fueled by hate, racism, and bigotry. To begin to address this epidemic, we must focus on evidence-based solutions to reform our gun laws and support the mental health needs of our communities. We reject rhetoric from the President and others that incorrectly links mental illness with mass shootings and further stigmatizes those with mental health challenges.

AATA is pleased to announce that the Master of Arts in Clinical Art Therapy and Counseling program at Long Island University – Post Campus (LIU POST) in Brookville, NY has been approved for accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). LIU POST joins nine additional art therapy programs with initial accreditation.

There’s always something new to learn on the MyAATA forum! This month we’re featuring two special opportunities to engage with other members and experts on best practices, new perspectives, and research. Join the online conversation on art therapy with displaced populations with Dr. Essam Daod and panel of experts, in advance of his keynote address at the AATA’s 50th Anniversary Conference. You won’t want to miss our second Journal Chat on informed consent and digital literacy to learn about the latest in ethics and digital media!

I have worked for the past 30 years as an Adaptive Art Specialist/Art Therapist in the Assistive Technology Program of the Specialized Services Department for the Milwaukee Public Schools in Milwaukee, WI and retired in June. My primary role was to work with art specialists, special education and regular teachers to adapt art materials, tools, and techniques for students from early childhood through high school with disabilities. In addition, I collaborated and co-led groups with school social workers, counselors and psychologists to include art therapy as a therapeutic intervention.

WELL + GOOD

Maybe you’ve filled the margins of every notebook you’ve ever had with doodles, or maybe you’re unable to draw a straight line. If you’re looking for a proven way to cope with trauma or relieve stress, art therapy may be the answer.

Sarah Cornette, an art therapist and former teacher in Chapel Hill, NC, is behind a collaborative and ever-evolving art project called “Same Difference: The Mural.” The goal is to connect with children around the world to increase awareness of social issues, particularly the refugee crisis.

The Tarrant County Clubhouse of Cancer Support Community North Texas recognizes how a cancer diagnosis greatly impacts a patient and their family. The organization is gifting three-dimensional replica sculptures to families which feature their own hands embracing each other.   

Artsy

Mary Anne Carter is the 12th chairman for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Carter initially became part of the organization as senior deputy chairman in 2016 during the Trump administration transition. Since then, she led the growth of an art therapy program for U.S. service members and veterans called Creative Forces, and strengthened national programs such as Shakespeare in American Communities.