Press for Art Therapy!

http://www.gazette.net/stories/03252009/entecol121337_32473.shtml


Here is a story on a recent art therapy show that I facilitated at the NIH.


Megan



Megan Robb, MA, ATR-BC, LPC

Board Certified Art Therapist

National Institutes of Health

Don't forget to turn off your Lights!

Earth Hour 2009 is from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, 2009-03-28. Turn off your lights for one hour to help save the environment

Michelle Obama visits Miriam's Kitchen!

On Thursday, March, 5, Michelle Obama visited Miriam's Kitchen located on the edge of the George Washington University campus. Miriam’s Kitchen is a soup kitchen serving men and women experiencing homelessness. Mrs. Obama donned a Miriam's apron and joined in serving the special lunch meal. About 200 people a day visit Miriam's for a nutritious hot breakfast, social services, and an After-Breakfast Program staffed by case managers, volunteers and a student from The George Washington University's Art Therapy Department.

Miriam's After-Breakfast Program offers guests the opportunity to access additional social services, while also engaging in self-expression, advocacy, and community. Every Monday through Friday, guests attending Miriam's are invited to make art in the Art Therapy Group. Averaging about 25 guests per day, creative endeavors are envisioned and made real in a variety of visual art media.

The First Lady took special note of one painting. Completed on the day of the inauguration, President Barack Obama is depicted holding a Miriam's Kitchen mug, in front of a cherry blossom tree and the Washington Monument- perhaps symbolizing the connectedness the Miriam's artist felt to the ever-shifting scenery outside of our dining room.

Catherine Crum, Deputy Director of Miriam's Kitchen, presented this painting to the First Lady. Ms. Crum highlighted the guests and our services and the uniqueness we offer our community because of Miriam's partnership with George Washington's Art Therapy Department.

After lunch was served, Mrs. Obama met with Miriam's guests and gave some remarks. She offered significant and crucial points, both in word and deed, stating that we must work with one another towards the interests of maintaining and growing the health of our communities; and that we can do so simply by recognizing and affirming the value of each citizen- no matter his/her place in the community.

For more information about The First Lady’s visit to Miriam’s Kitchen and the services and programs offered, visit: www.miriamskitchen.org

Kate Baasch, GW Art Therapy Intern, Miriam's Kitchen

Art Teachers for Special Needs Population

VisArts at Rockville seeks part-time art teachers to instruct art classes for individuals with special needs.

Teachers are needed for all populations-children, teens, and adults. Classes are offered in ceramics, photography, and a multi-media class including painting, drawing, and sculpture. Art teacher must be able to adapt art activities to the special needs of the participants. Teachers are responsible for creating curriculum and preparing materials prior to class.

Potential candidates must be experienced teaching art to individuals with special needs, be passionate about working with this population, possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, be creative and nurturing, and have previous classroom experience.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to outreach@visartscenter.org. Please mention the populations and media that you are applying to teach.

Rachel Loving

VisArts at Rockville
155 Gibbs Street
Suite 300
Rockville, Md 20850
www.VisArtsCenter.org
301-315-8200

">Selected for the Catalogue for Philanthropy 2008-2009

Mandalas!

On the weekend of February 27-March 1, 2009, I attended an excellent training led by Carol Cox, MA, ATR-BC, LPAT and Alysa Muller, Psy.D., FAMI, covering the theory of the Great Round of Mandala created by Joan Kellogg. It was a very informative training with theory based on years of research and experience as they taught the 13 total stages in the Great Round. We drew our own mandalas for each stage, which I have included in a slide show below.





Our training was at Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Maryland, which is a very peaceful retreat center. Though we didn't have much time to explore, and it snowed on the last day so I drove home to beat the bigger storm, I saw some very nice views through the windows. I hope to go back in October to Part 2, and plan to explore more then!

Excerpts from PATA's latest Newsletter

To receive this in full color with lots of photos and much, much more, join PATA and AATA. See sidebar for the link.


Potomac Art Therapy Association
09 Newsletter Volume 20, Number 3

A art therapist tells of President Obama’s visit to Sasha Bruce House.
By Jennifer K. McNulty


On the morning of January 19th, the eve of the presidential inauguration, I headed off to the Sasha Bruce House to lead a small group of youth in creating a mural on the wall of the boys’ dormitory. Some of you may know, I have provided group and individual art therapy twice a week at Sasha Bruce for several years. I love this contractual position, but I have to admit, I was a little overwhelmed by the prospect of pulling off such a big project with only a few days notice. But, I told myself President-elect Obama is calling everyone to serve, so here I am answering the call. I loaded up the car with paint and brushes, threw on some old clothes, and headed out.

As my group of artists waited for the green light to get started, we noticed some police officers walking around the building then several large gentleman wearing suits and earpieces entered the front building. You can imagine the tension from the 30 or so young people in the building, not always the biggest fans of law enforcement, as we were lined up to be searched. There was absolute silence, and a few tears, as the announcement was made that President-elect Obama would be arriving momentarily to lend a hand in renovating the boys’ bedroom.

We worked with anticipation, waiting for Mr. Obama to appear; we heard the cameras flashing as he gracefully walked into the room greeting the small crowd of young people. As he walked around the room, he greeted each and every person with a handshake, personal introduction, and a thank you for their service.

I was thoroughly impressed with Mr. Obama’s warmth and sincerity as he spoke with me and my young artist about the theme and intention of the mural, titled “The Time for Change is Now.”

Mr. Obama then rolled up his sleeves and got to work rolling paint on the walls, painting dressers, and taking down curtains. Those who think this was merely a photo-op, don’t be fooled; the president-elect spent approximately an hour working and talking with us. Only later did we notice the huge crowd outside chanting “Yes We Can” and learn that CNN had a live feed of the event as we made our exuberant phone calls (my sister was watching).

The impact of this historic day on the lives of these young people, I can only begin to imagine. I know, for myself, that it is a day I will not soon forget, made all the more special by being able to do something that I love in the process.


PATA Governmental Affairs

with Megan Robb, Governmental Affairs Committee Chairperson

New AATA Executive Director Search

One of the strategic goals for The American Art Therapy Association is to increase membership satisfaction and mentor in new leadership. As part of this goal, a local group of art therapists met with the Executive Director Search Committee, which included our Heidi Bardot, Director of the GWU Art Therapy Program, to vet out a new Executive Director this winter. Charlotte Boston, Audrey Di Maria, Melissa Walker, and Megan Robb supported the search committee by being part of the second round of interviews. The Executive Director Search was a competitive another example of meeting the call to serve the art therapy community-small ways and big ways. Watch out for a e-news blast from AATA and the PATA blog to meet our new ED!!

Bylaws

A team lead by Diana Sabados and I reviewed PATA’s bylaws, last updated in 1997. Most changes were made to streamline and define roles of the Executive Board and the procedures needed to run a chapter. These bylaws will be distributed to the membership for approval. On a side note, the necessary update to our Bylaws is not just a local initiative. The American Art Therapy Association also has this as an agenda item for their upcoming year.


In the news…

Elva Anderson, MPS, ATR used part of her PATA award to pay for PATA to have a year membership at Flashpoint, a dynamic arts space dedicated to nurturing and growing emerging artists and cultural organizations. Flashpoint is located at 916 G Street, NW, a half block from the Gallery Place Metro station. Flashpoint provides services and training for cultural organizations to help strengthen their management capacity and offers exhibition and performance spaces.  Sounds just what we needed, thank you Elva!


Gioia Chilton, MA, ATR-BC & Rebecca Wilkinson, MA-ATR-BC recently led a workshop on How to be Happier: Positive Psychology and the Arts at Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts. Using interactive lecture and art making, participants examined question such as: What makes people happier? Who is happy? Why be happy? And how do creative endeavors contribute to happiness? Join the yahoo group here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/arttherapyandpositivepsychology/


Rebecca Wilkinson, MA-ATR-BC is also leading another series this month at Smith Farm of, Renewing the Spirit: Combating Compassion Fatigue Saturday, March 7, 10:00 AM-3:30 PM $75(5.5 CEC's available */$15 administrative fee). Designed to address the special needs of and provide support to healthcare professionals and caregivers but also open to anyone seeking to increase a sense of balance and manage stress, this workshop will focus on strategies to combat compassion fatigue and burnout. Contact Darien Reece, Smith Farm Center, www.SmithFarm.com to register or for more information at 202-483-8600.


Share Your Accomplishments!
Have you presented a workshop or in-service recently to educate the public about art therapy? Have you given an interview or written an article?
Let us know what you’ve been up to so we can acknowledge your efforts and share with others the many ways our profession is promoted by PATA members like you!

Meet PATA’s new
Membership Chair,
Crista Linn Kostenko

Renew your membership:

Let’s stick together in turbulent economic times!

Your PATA membership is a valuable pass that provides access to exclusive job openings, qualifying CEC events, and local information about Art Therapy in your community. We want to remind you that a PATA membership lasts for only one year. If you have not renewed your membership for 2009, you are no longer a member of PATA. We encourage you to renew your membership. This year's board is especially committed to making changes in our association to make it more relevant to your career. For example, we’re updating the PATA website to include members-only sections for job opportunities and special events. The membership re-starts at the time when it has expired and not when we process your payment. Please don’t delay – the membership provides great value.

Crista Linn Kostenko, MA, zateshno@gmail.com


PATA’s Film Screening:
Born Into Brothels


On Sunday, February 15th the Potomac Art Therapy Association's, (PATA), Multicultural Committee held their second film screening.  The event was held at the lively Busboys and Poets restaurant/bookstore/ gathering place on 14th Street NW, as a part of their 'Focus in! Cinema for a Conscious Community' series. ( for more info, goto www.busboysandpoets.com)
 The program featured the award winning documentary 'Born Into Brothels' by filmmakers Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski.  The purpose of the event was to bring together the community to learn about the use of photography through the eyes of children living in the red light district of Calcutta, India, and how art can empower and make a lasting impact.
 After the screening, PATA's guest speaker Sangeeta Prasad led a discussion on her experiences as an Art Therapist working with children in India.  The audience participated in an engaging conversation with Ms. Prasad who openly shared her observations and thoughts with working with children and their art making.  Many of her insights can be found in her book 'Creative Expression: Say it with Art'.
PATA's Multicultural Committee will host another event in the near future. If you would like to help or have ideas for future events or cultural arts activities please contact me, Elva Anderson, Multicultural Chair, at eanderso@cnmc.org



New Documentary- Who Does She think She is?
This documentary demonstrates the conflict of decision a woman has to make between mothering and working. The film features five woman who are artists and their exploration of choosing their own well being, their creativity versus their children and mothering. It is a must see. Go to http://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net/ for more. Apparently the filmmakers will be featured at next year’s art therapy conference in Denver.

-Megan Robb, Governmental Affairs Committee Chairperson


Did You Know?

The American Art Therapy Association has a News and Updates page on their redesigned website www.arttherapy.org. You can access that page to learn about:
art therapy and the treatment of trauma http://www.arttherapy.org/news.asp?P=83,
art therapy and abused children http://www.arttherapy.org/news.asp?P=80,
art therapy and older adults http://www.arttherapy.org/news.asp?P=79,
as well as many other press releases and professional relations reports.


By Diana L. Sabados
Winter 2009 Public Information Update

A New AATA Adventure

For the past six years, I have had the privilege of representing PATA in my position as past President, and as both the Chapter Delegate and Alternate Chapter Delegate at the annual Assembly of Chapters meeting for the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). I was recently nominated and elected to serve as the Recorder for the Assembly of Chapters for AATA, and so had to step down from my position as Alternate Delegate. I am thrilled that Rebecca Wilkinson has agreed to step into the position of Alternate Delegate, and am sure that, along with our current Chapter Delegate, Jennifer McNulty, PATA will be represented well!

In my new role, I will be responsible for the minutes of all sessions of the Assembly of Chapters. Along with several other correspondence and document maintenance responsibilities, I will be working in close contact with the both the Speaker and Speaker-Elect to the Assembly of Chapters. I look forward to serving the members of the AATA in this capacity, while continuing to serve as PATA’s Public Information Chair.

Generating Outreach Initiative Ideas

One of the exciting things about attending the annual Assembly of Chapters meeting is that you have the opportunity to hear what other chapters are doing across the country. As you will read in the Chapter Delegate’s report, many are dealing with some of the issues that PATA currently faces.

An idea that resonated strongly with me was shared by the Michigan Art Therapy Association. Their Public Relations Chair worked with a subcommittee to develop a curriculum about art therapy and then sent out information to local organizations that could benefit from art therapy, inviting them to have an art therapist provide a presentation. They developed a task force of members who were trained in how to present this curriculum and willing to go out and present to those organizations expressing an interest. Their chapter sponsored these trainers, meaning that they were reimbursed for food, travel, and materials.

I’m very interested in pursuing this idea and am interested in hearing from individuals who may be willing to assist with either the development of a plan, the curriculum, the materials, and/or the trainings. Please contact me at artemisdls@yahoo.com as soon as possible, as I am looking to begin developing a plan to present to the PATA Board by the summer.




Letter from our President, Amy Tatsumi

Dear PATA Membership,
I write with enthusiasm to share PATA’s continued momentum within our organization and the community. Much of our energy has focused on updating our bylaws to meet AATA standards. The last time that the PATA bylaws were updated was in 1997. PATA board members Diana Sabados, MA, ATR-BC and Megan Robb, MA, ATR-BC, LPC led the bylaws sub-committee. We are in the final stages of getting membership approval.
The deadline for the membership to return their ballots is March 15, 2009. After the changes are approved by the membership, they will be submitted to AATA for a final approval. Once this process is complete, the membership will be notified and the bylaws will be posted on our blog and website. Please note that 2009 members are eligible to vote on the bylaws changes. If you have any questions about your membership status, please contact new PATA membership chair, Crista Linn Kostenko, MA at zateshno@gmail.com
Regarding programming, our Multicultural chair, Elva Anderson, MPS, ATR coordinated another amazing film screening with the showing of “Born Into Brothels” at Bus Boys and Poets on February 15, 2009. We had a phenomenal turnout of art therapists and community members. You can read more about this event in Elva’s write up in our newsletter. On March 1, 2009, the PATA board will be participating in our first Visioning Retreat led by our new Alternate Chapter Delegate, Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC. PATA has also partnered with Maryland Art Therapy Association, MATA, and Virginia Art Therapy Association, VATA to begin planning a one day regional conference in 2010. If you are interested in contributing to the regional conference planning committee, please contact me at tatsumi.amy@gmail.com or 914-602-9286.
The PATA blog is updated several times a week and has current and fun information and pictures.  Remember to keep checking it.  Also, if you are a current PATA member, and have job notices, events, news, or artwork or art techniques you would like to share, contact Gioia Chilton, PATA Newsletter/Blogger Chair at giofo@aol.com  This could be great free advertising for you as a PATA member benefit!
Looking forward to a spectacular spring with PATA,
Amy Tatsumi, M.A., A.T.R. tatsumi.amy@gmail.com


Got cool news?
Got art?
Want referrals?
Send your current info to Gioia Chilton, at giofo@aol.com to be included in PATA’s newsletter and blog! We want to know about you and your clients!


PATA Brochures Available On-line!

Don’t forget! We recently introduced our new PATA Informational Brochures, available for on PATA’s website for you to download and print free of charge! The first “About PATA: Information & Membership” contains information, benefits, and instructions for becoming a member of PATA. This brochure would be useful to provide to students and other prospective members in the art therapy and mental health community. The second, “About Art Therapy: An Informational Overview” contains general information about art therapy and the requirements for becoming an art therapist. This brochure would be useful to provide prospective employers and the public information about our field.

Are there additional resources that would be helpful to you in educating the public about who art therapists are and what art therapists do? We are considering the development of additional resources, such as an FAQ sheet specific to the DC/MD/VA area, and informational brochures about art therapy in specific settings, such as schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and elder care. If you are interesting in authoring, or contributing to the development of any of these resources, please get in touch with Diana at artemisdls@yahoo.com.

The Potomac Art Therapy Association (PATA)
is a non-profit affiliate chapter of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). PATA was formed in the 1970’s in order to increase contact and communication among art therapists in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
PATA is active in promoting public awareness of the field of art therapy including the standards of clinical practice, educational and training requirements, and validity as a sound health care profession. Since its inception, PATA has grown to include a variety of mental health professionals and has expanded its services to the membership and community.
Potomac Art Therapy Association
P.O. Box 75765, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202.333.8244

2009 Exhibit of the Treasure Postcards Project Opening Reception

When:
Thursday, March 12th between 6-8:30pm (RSVP)
Where:
Touchstone Gallery
406 7th Street NW 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20004
http://www.touchstonegallery.com

Event Details:
2009 Exhibit of the TreasurePostcards Project Opening Reception
The exhibit by Arts for Global Development showcases over 100 artworks of women artists from
around the world. TreasurePostcards sales proceeds will benefit Friends of Orphans, an award
winning organization in the Pader district of northern Uganda that has been working fervently to
create normalcy for the child mothers, orphans, former child soldiers, abductees and women; and
reintegrate and empower those impacted by the conflict and HIV/AIDS. TreasurePostcards
Project will be on display at Touchstone Gallery until March 28th. To learn more about the project
please visit http://www.art4development.net/tpp.html
Come and explore the ongoing ‘Double Vision II’ exhibit at the Touchstone Gallery as well.
Panel - "Rejuvenating Communities with Creativity: A Dialogue around Arts Therapy,
Socio-economic and Gender Specific Development". The panel discussion, as part of our
International Women’s Day celebration will start at 6:45 pm.
Panelists:
Paula Howie
Former President of American Art Therapy Association &
Associate Professional Lecturer at George Washington University
Yildiz Yagci
CEO and Executive Director of Anatolian Artisans
Paula Terry
Director of National Endowment for the Arts Office for AccessAbility
Joy Ford Austin
Executive Director of Humanities Council of Washington DC (Invited - To be confirmed)
Crafts Sale from the Anatolian Artisans
During the March 12th event you’ll be able to purchase artisan products from Turkey at very
reasonable prices that are currently on sale in the Textile Museum and Smithsonian’s
Freer/Sackler Museum gift stores. The proceeds from sales will benefit low-income women
artisans in Turkey.
Mediterranean finger food, light beverages and wine will be served.
Organizers and sponsors:
Arts for Global Development, Touchstone Gallery, American-Turkish Association of Washington
DC and Equals Three Communications, Inc.
* $5 donation will be requested at the event entrance. All proceeds will support Friends of
Orphans in Uganda.
Directions:
Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter station on the Yellow and Green Lines.
Walk 2 blocks north on 7th Street or
Gallery Place-Chinatown station on the Red, Green and Yellow Lines.
Walk 4 blocks south on 7th Street

Please RSVP by COB March 11, 2009. Feel free to invite a friend or two!

ANY ONE OF US

Women's Words from Prison
by Eve Ensler

A Benefit for Our Place, DC
www.ourplacedc.org

Host: Eryca Kasse
Location: Western Presbyterian Church
2401 Virginia Avenue NW
Washington, DC US

When: Saturday, April 18, 7:00PM
Phone: (202) 548-2400
A Benefit for Our Place, DC
www.ourplacedc.org

Performance & Post-Show Discussion

General Admission - $25
Student/Limited Income - $15
Sponsorships Available - $250

To Purchase Tickets Online visit this link and follow the instructions below:
https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=510393992 />1) Under Charity Name - type in Our Place DC
2) Under Privacy Preferences - Please choose: Full Contact Information (or) Name and Email Address so that we may send you a confirmation
3) Under Designation - Please type in the code: “VDAY Tickets” and indicate number of tickets at General or Student Price

Or to Purchase Tickets Contact:
Tina Edmundson
(202) 548-2400
tedmundson@ourplacedc.org

Our Place, DC - The only support and resource center for
formerly and currently incarcerated DC women.

Summer 2009 International

The MPS Art Therapy Department at the School of Visual Arts is pleased to announce
Summer 2009 International Programs for art therapy students and art therapists.
For more information please email arttherapy@sva.edu


Art Therapy in Provence: Innovative Techniques for the Professional
May 16-23, 2009
Instructor: Val Sereno, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT
$2,200
20 CECs


This one-week program is designed for art therapy professionals who would like to enhance their skills with unique studio techniques that can be adapted to various populations. The landscape, light and history of Provence will inspire the art-making process and complement each day’s instruction. This program is open to graduating MA/MPS art therapy students and practicing art therapists.

*************************************
Studio Art Therapy in Florence: Rejuvenating the Creative Spirit
June 13-27, 2009
Instructor: Rebecca DiSunno, PhD, ATR-BC, RNCS, LCAT
$3,500
2 Studio Credits

Come explore the integration of self, other, art and culture in one of the most influential cities in the history of the fine arts. Immerse yourself in a two-week studio art process that deepens your connection to your work through the vibrant environment that surrounds you. This program is open to students entering a graduate art therapy program and to current art therapy graduate students.


For more information about Summer 2009 International Programs, please email arttherapy@sva.edu

*************************************
MPS Art Therapy Department
http://www.sva.edu/arttherapy

Richmond, VA Art Therapy Job Opening

From our friends in VATA:

Seeking an Art Therapist to work with special needs children ages 12-18 in a small new residential group home that is being established for adolescents with mental retardation diagnoses. Would like for the therapist to work 2 days a week 6pm-8pm weekdays. Weekend day 6pm-8pm or 10am-12pm. A background check will be needed to work with individuals. Nice opportunity to incorporate an art therapist in a new facility!

Please contact Torronda Haley (804)721-3103 or email torrondah78@gmail.com

THE CHAKRA SYSTEM and SELF- HEALING

Round Oaks Creative Center
presents
THE CHAKRA SYSTEM and
SELF- HEALING
A Multi-level approach

with
Phyllis Frame, MA-ATR & Karen Montgomery, MS-ATR



PLACE: Round Oaks Creative Center
1443 Glenside Green, Charlottesville, VA
Phone: 434-973-7543 email: pframe79@aol.com

DES DATE: Saturday, March 21, 2009
TIME: 9-5 pme Stages in the Great Round of t
COST: $135 includes
art materials and printed material
There is a $50 non-refundable deposit.
A certificate of completion will be awarded and CEU’s are available.


INSTRUCTORS: Phyllis Frame is the founder & director of the Round Oaks Creative Center, and is a registered art therapist, having practiced in Charlottesville, VA for over 20 years. She was a founding board member of the Association of Mandala Teachers, now inactive, has given mandala and art therapy workshops at many conferences, and is a published author in numerous professional journals. Karen Montgomery is a registered art therapist at North Spring Behavioral Healthcare in Leesburg, VA. She is certified in MARI Mandala Assessment, a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider, and has facilitated myriad workshops on the healing powers of mandalas, labyrinths, and chakras.


DESCRIPTION:
This workshop presents an in depth view of the 7 chakra energy centers in the body, coupled with experiential activities. It will reveal their importance in the healing of not only the body, but of the mind and spirit. This information is important to the person working with others as it brings together and adds a greater depth of understanding to the importance of an open chakra system to our mental, physical, and spiritual health. Many will be interested in this workshop for their own growth, as well. We will experience the chakras through many lenses and experiential activities such as sound (toning), guided imagery and visualization, drawing, and poetry. Each chakra is associated to a part of the body, a color, energy, archetype, and emotions. A power point presentation of mandalas reflecting the chakra energies as seen in Joan Kellogg’s theory of the Stages in the Great Round of the Mandala will be shown.

Reservations, directions, and housing information will be sent upon receipt
of your $50 non-refundable deposit.
Please mail to Phyllis Frame, 1443 Glenside Green, Charlottesville, VA 22901.