Hello!

I shared this during the last ATAA meeting. In short I had an idea to create a background display for the upcoming AATA all member meeting. I wanted to create something that sends a unified message in support of 'art therapists against abuse'. I'm open to suggestions/critique if any. Someone in the last ATAA meeting brought up having an alternative text be "A FUTURE ART THERAPIST AGAINST ABUSE" for those who are students (I did make that version as well!). Please share your thoughts, it's in the final stages of draft. I still need to make a few touch ups, so please don't download this file. In the next couple days I'll post the final image along with instructions on how to change backgrounds in zoom.

I also wanted to share about the piece, the flowers are American lotus flowers. I was researching symbols of sexual abuse, the lotus flower is a symbol of sexual abuse survival with themes of overcoming adversity, surviving trauma, and finding strength. Teal is also a color used with sexual abuse survivors. We all know the power of art and using it to unify our voices. I'm hoping that this image can help show the support we have for each other and signal the change we want to see in AATA. I'm personally scared and shocked at the way AATA seems to be handling issues. I'm happy that we are a community that isn't afraid to call them out. I'm sure we're all anxious to hear what they have to say during this meeting. This community is very important to all of us.

Thanks,

Lauren Nicholson, MA, ATR