President's Message

Amanda Gee, BFA, RCAT, RP
Toronto, ON
CATA-ACAT Executive President

Happy fall! Fall is typically my favourite time of year. The air is cool and crisp, the colours are vibrant, leaves crunch underfoot, and pumpkin-everything is everywhere. It could be because I was born in the fall, or maybe because I was in school for so many years, but fall always feels like a fresh start to me. Some things stay the same even though this fall is very different.

One of the best parts of this time of year is the CATA-ACAT annual conference. The conference is always so inspiring. We come together from across the country and around the world to share ideas, make connections, and learn from each other. Due to the ongoing global pandemic, this year’s CATA-ACAT conference will take place virtually over three weekends. Art Therapy Now More Than Ever: Sustaining and Expanding Creative Practices in Unprecedented Times will kick off online on Friday, November 6, 2020. The conference will include live workshops and pre-recorded sessions to accommodate schedules across the country. I am really looking forward to it!

For my own self-care, I have found myself making art more than usual these days. I have found calm in painting and collaging to keep my mind off the uncertainties in the world and the negativity in the media. I hope you all can find some peace and joy in your own creative practice.