This panel presentation is a conversation between an art therapist, museum educators, and research professors who examine black art in the context of the past, present, and future to determine the implications of the concept of afrofuturism in art therapy and art education. 

In an attempt to bridge the therapeutic qualities of art with education and community and cultural institutions, this panel will contemplate the question, How can art therapists and art educators use afrofuturism as a lens to conceptualize ways of healing and liberation of black people? Through case material, artwork and dialogue this panel will examine the use of afrofuturistic art to offer a framework for use when working to heal and liberate black and brown people in art therapy. Panelists will also explore themes of cultural competency and trauma responsive professional development through the lens of the National Gallery of Art's Afro-Atlantic Histories past exhibition (currently at LACMA).

Have you considered sharing your work, perspective, research, or other innovative art therapy clinical approaches with your colleagues? Join us at this year’s Annual Conference as a presenter! The deadline to submit a proposal for the 54th Annual Conference is March 12, 2023.

The conference will be held October 25-29, 2023, at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego, CA. The theme of Creativity, Curiosity, Compassion will frame the overall program. 

Don’t have an idea to share this time as a presenter? There are other ways to get involved!

AATA needs conference program reviewers from myriad backgrounds and work experiences to ensure that the conference offerings are diverse and inclusive. If you are an AATA member with an ATR-BC, please lend your expertise and help determine the sessions offered at the annual conference. Once the call ends on March 12, proposals undergo a blind review. Three ATR-BC credentialed AATA members review and rate each submission. 

If you’re interested in being a part of the process, please email Terri Cochran in the National Office at tcochran@arttherapy.org.

This year’s conference will include a session for undergraduate poster presentations. Undergraduate students are invited to present their scholarly and creative work in their study of art therapy. Students will have a designated time to share and discuss their posters with attendees in a poster display session with other presenters.

Poster presentations may be submitted by an individual student or a group of students by April 2. It should make an impactful contribution to an art therapy audience in at least one of the following general categories:

♦ Research with Critical Analysis
♦ Student as Creative Facilitator 
♦ Student Creative Inquiry 

Please consider applying or nominating someone whom you believe will work tirelessly to promote best practices for art therapy educational programs and help ACATE lead the upcoming standards revisions process for the art therapy accreditation standards. Potential nominees must demonstrate a commitment to art therapy education, knowledge of contemporary art therapy and allied health practice, and sensitivity to the needs of art therapy students and consumers. Sitting ACATE members will review all applications and approve nominees that reflect the diverse communities of interest in art therapy.

The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) invites public comments on the Proposed CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines of Accreditation of Educational Programs in Art Therapy – 2023. As part of the CAAHEP Standards development process, ACATE recognizes the importance of securing comments from the various stakeholders in the art therapy profession.

Every year, AATA recognizes our members who work daily to advance the profession through leadership, research, and clinical endeavors. If you know a colleague or changemaker in the field, please take a moment to recognize them by nominating them.

Also let’s support the next generation of art therapists by encouraging art therapy students and young professionals to apply for scholarships. 

Find more information on MyAATA for awards and scholarship opportunities in the following categories: Research, Scholarships, Honors, Multicultural, and Governmental Affairs.

This week, we are featuring content from Volume 39, Issue 4, of Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association 

♦ Article: The Effect of Medium and Instruction While Creating Mandalas
Ashley Hartman & C. Estelle Campenni

♦ Viewpoint: Development of the Expressive Therapies Continuum: The Lifework of Vija B. Lusebrink, PhD, ATR-BC, HLM
Lisa D. Hinz, Megan L. VanMeter & Vija B. Lusebrink

♦ Book review: An Expressive Arts Approach to Healing Loss and Grief: Working Across the Spectrum of Loss with Individuals and Communities

AATA Members can access current, previous, and archived AATA Journal Issues by logging into MyAATA and visiting the Professional Development section! 

Always Keep Progressing, LLC in Miami Beach, FL is looking for an art therapist with exceptional abilities and a passion for helping others to join their team. This position is perfect for someone with pediatric experience and working with children with special needs. 
 
This position requires a master’s degree in art therapy from an American Art Therapy Association accredited college or university. Must have or be eligible and in process to obtain the ATR-BC (Registered, Board-Certified Art Therapist) credential. 

[Featuring AATA Member Lauren Deaven] 

[Featuring AATA Members Jordan Potash and Lindsey Vance]