The AATA DEI Committee is gathering information about the culture and climate of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) related to DEI. We invite everyone in the art therapy community to complete this questionnaire to help us in this process. In addition to contributions received throughout our Listening Session series, we will also review the feedback received from this questionnaire to further examine findings and themes from the art therapy community. The first three Listening Sessions are taking place this week, and seats are still available in four of the groups meeting in January (Men Art Therapists and Students, Former or Never Been Members of AATA, Art Therapy Students, and Art Therapists and Students with Disabilities). 

As a first-time facilitator of a networking event, I experienced some difficulties, which I took personally at first, telling myself that I was not experienced enough to lead it. Several days later, after processing my experience with colleagues, I realized that my difficulties were systemic rather than something attached to myself or any participants of the event. They were related to the racial dynamics of the American society and within our profession.

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the sudden death of art therapist, puppetmaker, artist, and author Lani Gerity Glanville, DA, ATR. At 67, after recently being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she passed away on Nov. 25, 2020. Lani was active in the association as a regular conference presenter. 

The DEI Committee presents this inaugural exhibition as a catalyst to connect and bond through the sharing of these art expressions and as a way to begin envisioning a new past, present and future for our field. This show accentuates a group of 2020 AATA Featured Members to pull forth and give space to underlying narratives that exist within art therapy and to highlight unique and expansive perspectives in the field. Whether it is in their own personal experiences, or responses impacted through client and community work, they each present stories and ideas that are woven into the fabric of art therapy.

Just in time for winter holiday shopping, the "Art Therapists are Heroes" masks are back by popular demand! At a time when our country is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis on top of a pandemic, art therapists are on the job, helping people of all ages experiencing stress, anxiety, and trauma. In order to continue celebrating these amazing heroes supporting mental health every day and showing pride for the art therapy profession, we are reopening the pop-up shop for a limited time. Get your orders in before Dec. 6!

The first ever virtual Annual Meeting of the Membership will take place on Monday, Dec. 7 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. EST. Members will hear reports from our president, treasurer, and executive director. After the traditional agenda is complete, we will use the remaining time for members to participate (via "breakout rooms") in a discussion about the future of the profession. Registration for this (free) members-only event is required and closes at midnight (EST) on Dec. 6.

I endeavor to continue creating opportunities where I can participate with other members of my community in storytelling, public art, and dialogue around issues of diversity, equity, and antiracism. My community has been impacted by the pandemic in ways that make creative expression and arts engagement a vital form of connection, so my focus has shifted to finding innovative ways to maintain that connection given the social and physical restrictions. In my work with young people, I am cognizant of the increase in feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and loss, and the challenges for families who are experiencing even greater barriers to access for physical and emotional health services. 

To our members: We wanted to take the time to thank you for being a part of our community this year and beyond. It has been a year of unique challenges and circumstances, but it's been truly rewarding to see our community come together and support each other. As a new year approaches, we look forward to continuing to serve you as your art therapy membership organization. And, if you renew your membership before 12/15/20, you'll be automatically entered into a raffle to win one of five prizes: $250 Faber-Castell Gift Card (x2); $250 Worth of AEM Hi Arts Supplies (x2); and $200 Visa Gift Card.

For questions about membership or for assistance with your renewal, please contact membership@arttherapy.org or 888-290-878.

"Many art therapists are adapting to the pandemic, approaching depression through art, and helping clients transition to cope with the new normal. Art therapy is an approach in psychotherapy that uses art to help people express their thoughts and feelings, a mission that has become only more important across the world since the pandemic."

"Dan Bulleit took a stroll through the Brown County Art Gallery about six years ago and admired the works of art hanging on the walls. A thought went through his mind: Wouldn’t it be nice to have his own artwork hanging on this gallery’s walls one day? His painting 'Blue Angel,' (painted while in art therapy during one of his chemotherapy sessions) depicting an exhausted nurse leaning against a wall with a mask in hand, now hangs on the gallery’s wall after the Indiana Heritage Arts Board selected it to become a part of its permanent collection."

As many youth have lost confidence and are having difficulties adapting to change and new ways of life, Saint Francis Hospice, with the help of Children in Need funding, is providing weekly counselling and art therapy sessions, giving children and teens a safe, consistent place to explore and share their feelings.