Why OATA? Shared Reflections.
As we gear up for our first in-person Ontario Art Therapy Association event since the Pandemic began (OATA’s upcoming Conference Retreat and AGM on October 20th and October 21st), the board members reflect on the benefits of membership and the need to keep our association active and flourishing in these transitional times.
An Art Therapy Association plays an instrumental role in supporting practicing Art Therapists. While many of us may focus on the requirements of our profession and practice guided by our College here in Ontario, it is essential that we remain connected within our circles of practice to both enrich our professional development and bolster our sense of community.
Melita Shares…
“I joined the Ontario Art Therapy Association many years ago simply as a silent member, as I wanted to watch, listen and learn. However, over the years as my experience grew I was invited to assist the board at a volunteer capacity. This incredible opportunity fostered connections with other art therapists and ultimately helped me learn and understand how OATA operated. Eventually, I accepted a position on the board as the Education Chair where I helped plan and organize the AGM and other events. Now, I am the President and I continue to enjoy the work that I do supporting OATA, with the goal to ensure the future of our very important organization”.
Saba Shares…
"I joined the Ontario Art Therapy Association in 2018 as a student so that I could be part of a community that I can both learn from and contribute to. Being recognized as part of a team, was helpful as a "baby" Art therapist as I was able to connect with my peers at various parts of their journey. OATA provided the space to engage in workshops, trainings, and surveys where we collaborated by voicing our questions and concerns, and learning from each other's experiences. It has helped me build beautiful connections over the years, has helped me recognize what kind of an Art Therapist I want to be, and has helped me refer clients to appropriate services. Not to mention, being part of OATA has helped me build my therapist toolkit as well as increase self compassion for both my self and my friend, the "imposter therapist".
Hannah Shares…
"I joined OATA in 1984 and found it stimulating. I have had positions on the executive from treasurer, to vice president and lately membership, registration and supervision chair. OATA became a bridge to the world, to other professional associations and to being respected as a professional art therapist. We need connections, and that is what we get in being members in our professional association. We become a family, laugh, cry and develop together. I invite you to become and continue being a member of our OATA family."
Susan Shares…
“Given that artists and art therapists work in iterative processes, so an opportunity developed and unfolded to move me from the sidelines to become a more engaged OATA member. Building bridges and being involved in communities-that-care for the arts and sensory-based-attunement, is an ongoing investment. It is a pleasure to mine along with others, the deeply held convictions in arts-based research that embrace relational knowledge ~ learning and unlearning, as we walk together along the way.
For me it has been an interesting time to engage with the work of OATA. I’m so impressed with OATA’s members, who’ve been the ‘Culture Carriers’ for us ~ leading the way forward, sharing their learning, guiding us and making generous and ongoing contributions to our profession for 45 years! I honour the roots and work of OATA’s founders and the commitment of OATA’s many longstanding members who embody the highest values. Kudos to your shared vision, wisdom and path leading legacy!
Since COVID hit, I found that my own sense of community was very much impacted. I chose to take advantage of ‘the times’ and immersed myself in online professional development. OATA has offered excellent workshops and professional development education online that I have benefited from too. I find such joy in shared learning together; holding a felt sense of OATA’s compassion in community, connecting and trusting the generative process of each iteration”.
April Shares…
“I have been a part of associations (OATA, CATA and OAHMP) since the early to mid 2000’s….. and have always valued being connected to the larger context of art therapy and psychotherapy, and this amazing community as whole for continued learning, needed awareness and treasured growth.
Why OATA? … I enjoy connecting with my art therapy colleagues through creative professional development, and particularly value mingling with my peers within supportive local experiences of shared learning, training, stories and art-making. I value and appreciate the role the Ontario Art Therapy Association plays in linking us all to these ongoing opportunities for art, education, community and self-care, and I have been inspired by the art therapy facilitators and presenters at the workshops I have attended over the years”
OATA, although a small organization (lead by a very tiny volunteer board), is and can remain a strong force in support and local connection for its members and/or art therapist practitioners in Ontario - providing a wealth of experience, wisdom, compassion and care across it’s membership, woven with potential and possibility in terms of growth and direction. An OATA mandate/goal (which I think sets OATA apart as an association), has always been to provide very affordable and accessible professional development opportunities for its members. Our upcoming conference is yet another wonderful example of that offering - while sharing member voices and celebrating our community… Peer-to-Peer… through The Nature of Well-Being.
See you There! 〰 OATA 2021-23 Board
Learn more about OATA.
Website: www.oata.ca
Follow on Instagram: @ontarioarttherapyassociation
Join Us On Oct. 20 and 21st.
Register at OATA at www.OATA.ca