In this issue of Art Therapy Today, we learn from members about their engagement with AATA and the broader art therapy community. AATA Board Member Kelly Burns shares how joining the AATA Board of Directors can help you advance the profession as well as grow personally. Featured Member Jackie Schuld explains that "while we may feel overwhelmed by trying to make change as an individual, when we look at our work collectively, we can make a significant difference." And AATA President Girija Kaimal expands about “colleagueship”—and ways to support your coworkers and bring joy to your workplace. 

We are thrilled to announce our Keynote Speaker for the 2023 Annual Conference! Roberto Lugo is a Philadelphia-based artist, ceramicist, social activist, poet, and educator. Mr. Lugo utilizes classical pottery forms in conjunction with portraiture and surface design reminiscent of his North Philadelphia upbringing and Hip Hop culture to highlight themes of poverty, inequality, and racial injustice.
Mr. Lugo’s works utilize traditional European and Asian ceramic techniques reimagined with a 21st-century street sensibility. Their hand-painted surfaces feature classic decorative patterns and motifs combined with elements of modern urban graffiti and portraits of individuals whose faces are historically absent on this type of luxury item—people like Sojourner Truth, Dr. Cornel West, and Notorious BIG, as well as Mr. Lugo’s family members and, very often, himself.

Mr. Lugo will be speaking on Friday, Oct. 27, at the conference in San Diego, CA. Register today to get the best rates!

National ParkRx Day is held in April to promote the growing movement of prescribing parks and nature to patients to promote people's health. However, this year’s ParkRx Day event at Anacostia Park in Washington, DC was rained out, and will now be held this Saturday, June 3! Everyone is welcome, from older adults to families, youth and children!

AATA Member Melissa Muttiah, ATR, of Project Create DC, will facilitate a simple grounding touch-stone art project and offer brief psychoeducation on grounding. AATA Student Members Jessica Croker (an intern at Project Create DC) and Anna Hailstone (an intern at Martha's Table) will be assisting with the art project. So please come by and support this amazing opportunity for people to learn more about making art for wellness, as well as art therapy!

When: Saturday, June 3, 1-4 p.m. 
Where: Anacostia Park, Washington DC

By Kelly Burns, MA, LMHC, ATR-BC
It’s that time of year when you’ll hear more from the leadership of AATA about why you, the member, should run for an open position on the Board of Directors. You’ll hear why AATA needs members, like you, to become a Director so that it can continue executing the strategic plan of the organization in the best way possible. But what does that mean exactly, and what can you expect as a member to gain as being a Director?

By Girija Kaimal, AATA President, EdD, MA, ATR-BC
As adults, we typically spend a third of our days in a workplace. Often, we might spend more time surrounded by workplace colleagues than friends or family. We have words for our relationships with friends: friendship. We have names for our relationships with family members: kin. What then do we call our workplace humans: our kith? And how might we conceptualize our relationship with them? In conversation recently at my university, a word came up: "Colleagueship." It is a way of being that is really important for our ability to contribute to society and our own well-being. 

“Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by everything I want for our world. I’m only one person. I cannot provide therapy for everyone nor address all of the various mental health needs and systemic injustices of our communities. When I see the work of my fellow art therapists who are creating private practices, developing businesses, starting non-profits, designing programs, experimenting with new ideas, collaborating with institutions, and doing other innovative work, it fills me with hope for our future. None of us can singularly resolve systemic injustices and mental health needs, but our collective and collaborative work can.”

– SPONSORED POST –
♦ Program Director: Master’s Degree in Art Therapy: Adler Graduate School is seeking a full-time faculty member who will be responsible for teaching courses each semester and also oversee an established Art Therapy program. This position is on campus.
Want to post or apply for art therapy jobs? Visit AATA's Career Center, the one-stop shop to help art therapists at all levels find new opportunities! For questions about the Career Center, email adamante@arttherapy.org.