By Deanna Barton, MA, ATR-BC & Zachary D. Van Den Berg, MA, ATR-P, LPC-Associate

In February, we celebrate Black History Month by honoring the labors and contributions of Black art therapists towards their clients, the profession at large, and the world. Let us use this month of national recognition to center Black histories, voices, experiences, and ways of knowing as a catalyst for continued inspiration and visibility in art therapy year-round. In support of these goals, we have compiled an art therapy specific resource guide, Black History in Art Therapy: A Living Reference & Resource Guide. In it, we share powerful stories documented in blog posts, newsletters, interviews, presentations, videos, and publications. 

Did you know that, last year alone, articles published in Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association were downloaded more than 150,000 times? It’s clear that AATA members, and the broader art therapy and mental health communities rely on the Journal as the source for peer-reviewed information. Moving forward, the Journal is looking to bring you content digitally as well as in print! While digital content enables readers to quickly access information and share with their networks, so many of us appreciate the hard copy, especially with the amazing cover art. If you’d like to continue receiving a print version of the Journal, please update your preferences in your MyAATA Profile by February 20th.You’ll receive a 20% off coupon for ArtSnacks, a curated subscription box service of unique, high-quality art supplies!

CAAHEP has awarded initial accreditation to the Art Therapy and Counseling and Art Therapy for Clinical Professionals master’s program at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM,effective November 19, 2021.

I'm currently working as an art therapy intern for Sanctuary for Families, which is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and related forms of gender violence, and also working at a small school as a Kindergarten art teacher. What excites me most about the job that I’m doing in both places, I would say, is having the opportunity to work with the mothers and children and provide a safe space to talk about their concerns. I also provide and develop new workshops for the parents to support their parenting skills, increase the mother self-efficacy, and optimism. Both places gave me the opportunity to grow in my career and give back to the community.