Reflections from the OATA 2020 AGM and Virtual Retreat.
Note: Our Collaborative Story from Page 10 Provided Below
April’s Reflections.
In autumn 2020 I was fortunate to be a participant in the first virtual Ontario Art Therapy Association's AGM and workshop webinar: Compassion in Art Therapy. What resonates with me post OATA’s virtual day, is the wealth of information shared and the richness of experience that in many ways matched many onsite and in-person workshop experiences I have participated in.
The moments of mindful reflection that were gently cultivated within the virtual space reminded us of the internal coping tools to carry with us as we continue to navigate these worrisome and unprecedented times as individuals, artists, and therapists.
With an emphasis on compassionate practice, presence and nurturing of the self, our facilitators Emma Ates and Zoe Bowman Eyford gently accompanied us into the present with soft and encouraging prompts (prompts that gave us permission to relax and transition into the creative space and reminded us of the value of self-compassion and care so so SO needed in these stressful times).
April’s Art: ‘Capturing Gratitude’ • Mindfulness Keynote Presentation and Art Making Directive facilitated by Emma Ates • OATA 2020
The pacing, tone, and lyrical rhythms of the presenters' voices through visualization and meditation added layers of warmth and support within our 'creative be-in-the-moment bubbles'.
As an active participant guided in my art experience I felt grounded and curious, nurtured and supported, valuing this meaningful creative engagement while acknowledging the amazing privilege of just being able to even be there!
April’s Art: ‘Brain, Body, Heart, Soul’ • Four Part Directive Facilitated by Zoe Bowman Eyeford • OATA 2020
Although in-person learning, community experientials, and sharing are always preferred, there was alchemy when the mixture of learning and experiencing intersected within the virtual bubble! This nourishing time became a bridge to connection and balance and through these creative and sensory moments, a symbolic reset from the unsettling world outside.
The comprehensive presentations shared insight, relevance, and historical context around mindfulness and art therapy in an interesting, fluid, and thought-provoking style and pushed the limits of an online platform.
April Penny • BFA BED RCAT RP • Creative Connections
Susan’s Reflections.
Just wanted to share in the generosity of attunement that occurred for me on OATA’s Retreat Day, Compassion in Art Therapy. I engaged in and appreciated the rich and thoughtful overview given by Emma Ates in her keynote on Compassion Applied in Art Therapy: Watercolours of Self and it was a perfect set up for the next session I had chosen with Zoe Bowman Eyford, Tending to the Whole Self- A Compassion Focused Art Therapy Technique for Therapist Self-Reflection.
In my opinion these two sessions could not have dovetailed together or been more perfectly balanced for the day, the space and the time, 7 months into the world’s pandemic. Given that our need for self-compassion and self-care practices have been most deeply felt and that our needs are ongoing; I was most grateful to share in this community of understanding, and to be led with such expertise on the day. Even more astounding was that the experience was virtual.
Susan’s Art: From ‘Brain, Body, Heart, Soul’ • Four-Part Directive Facilitated by Zoe Bowman Eyeford • OATA 2020
This heart-leaves, eco-image was created in direct response to Zoe’s third prompt, reflecting on the need to support/tend/care for the yearnings of my own heart and hold our collective hearts in compassionate, moving resonance at this time.
Susan Beniston, MFA, ATR-BC, RCAT • Founder of Sheridan’s Art Hive Initiative, Oakville Campus
Presenters. Facilitators.
• Emma Ates is a Toronto-based Registered Art Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist, Contemplative Creative Therapist and Contemplative Arts Practitioner.
• Zoë (Bowman) Eyford is a Toronto-based Art Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist. She is the founder of Art of Self Care, a wellness initiative supporting people working in the helping professions.
Thank You.
A genuine and heartfelt thank you to the OATA board members for ALL of their hard work and dedication in the re-envisioning and creation of such a wonderful online event, and for seamlessly transitioning the event from in-person to online.