This year the Virginia Art Therapy Association hosted a juried exhibition entitled, “Connection”. The show was for art therapists, and encouraged them to reflect on their professional identities through their connection with others. The show opened on October 23rd, 2015 at Plant Zero in Richmond, Virginia.Michael Galarraga won 1st place for his piece, “Reaching In”, Ashley Sweigart won 2nd place for her piece, “The Helper”, and Gretchen Graves received 3rd place for her piece “Releases”.
Art therapists, friends and families gathered to see the show at the opening that evening. The show was hung in one of the main hallways and there was some extraordinary art work displayed.
Michael G., Megan Alford, Alyssa Miller and Emma Reilly received an honorable mention for their piece, “Crossing Paths, Full Circle”. Melissa Mariner also received an honorable mentioned for her untitled piece, as did Leila Saadeh for her piece entitled, “Duality”. It was a wonderful evening full of laughter and joy that honored the creative process.
VATA also hosted their annual meeting at the night of the opening reception. It was Melissa Mariner’s last meeting as acting president who discussed various topics with the board, including financial and legislative information. Overall, the evening was a great success.
Thank you to all who participated in the 2015 VATA Art Show. Be on the look out in the early Fall for more information regarding our 2016 VATA Art Show. We look forward to seeing both you and your artwork at our next juried exhibition next year in Charlottesville, VA.
Reaching In
by Michael Galarraga
The Helper by Ashley Sweigart
Releases
by Gretchen Graves
Dualityby Leila Saadeh
Crossing Paths: Full Circle
by Michael Galarraga, Alyssa Miller, Meghan Alford,
& Emma Reilly
Untitled by Melissa Mariner