ART THERAPY ASSOCIATION OF COLORADO

The Colorado Art Therapy Association (COATA) is the Colorado affiliate of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) a national organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that the creative process of art-making is both healing and life-enhancing.

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Here in Colorado, we’re a mighty team of volunteers, board members, and art therapists who are passionate about expanding access to art therapy and supporting the professionals who make this transformative work possible.

We enhance awareness about the benefits of Art Therapy to increase well-being for ALL Colorado communities!

We engage in legislative efforts to work towards title protection for Art Therapists in Colorado!

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Our Mission is to Engage, Educate and Unite through Art Therapy

Engage: We build community by connecting Art Therapists across Colorado offering meetings, art-making gatherings, workshops, peer supervision, job listings, and more.

Educate: We educate the public about the healing power of Art Therapy through community events, presentations, and outreach, while helping Art Therapists grow through professional development and continuing education.

Unite: We bring Art Therapists together to create, collaborate, and advocate building a stronger, more visible profession that serves all Coloradans.

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Why your donation matters

Your donation directly supports programs that bring art therapy and mental wellness to communities across Colorado. When you give, you help us:

• 🖌️ Host open art studios where creativity becomes a bridge to connection and healing.

• 🖼️ Showcase local artists and therapists through our Annual Art Exhibition.

• 💎 Hold our Annual Art Therapy Conference to advance the field and provide professional development.

• 🤝 Build partnerships with organizations serving marginalized and underserved communities.

• 👯 Support Art Therapists statewide through peer consultation and advocacy.

Every dollar you give helps spread awareness about art therapy, strengthen our professional community, and promote healing through creativity for all.

Art Therapy With a Social Justice Lens 

At the Colorado Art Therapy Association (COATA), we believe art is more than self-expression it’s a tool for inclusion, healing, and social change.

Our Commitment to Social Justice

COATA was established to represent the integrity and voices of Colorado’s Art Therapists and to serve the community through art therapy. We are deeply committed to social justice, striving to build bridges with our community members and organizations while uplifting all voices.

Our mission to Engage, Educate, and Unite through Art Therapy embraces people of every background, identity, and experience. We use creativity to foster understanding, promote equity, and drive social change across the state.

Our Values in Action

• Uplifting Art Therapists of Color

• Honoring all cultural and faith traditions with respect and awareness.

• Collaborating with nonprofits that serve marginalized and underrepresented communities.

• Integrating advocacy and accountability into all areas of our work.

• Centering beneficence and non-maleficence acting for the benefit of all and ensuring we do no harm.

• Promoting awareness and education about art therapy as an inclusive, healing profession.

Why Your Support Matters
Your donation strengthens this vital work supporting community partnerships, activism, and art therapy initiatives that promote equity, healing, and mental well-being across Colorado. Together, we can use the power of art to create change, build unity, and bring healing to spaces where it’s needed most.

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Help Us Protect and Promote Art Therapy in Colorado

Art Therapy is a specialized, credentialed field and we are leading efforts to protect the professional title of “Art Therapist” in Colorado. Your donation strengthens our advocacy w

ork and helps ensure Art Therapy remains recognized, respected, and accessible to everyone.

Title Protection: What it Means

Inaccurate use of “Art Therapy” often occurs due to a lack of knowledge about the profession. Such instances provide an opportunity to offer accurate information and educate the public. It is with this in mind that the American Art Therapy Association and Colorado Art Therapy Association encourage outreach to individuals and/or companies that may be found to inaccurately categorize activities (such as trainings that are offered by non-Art Therapists) or products (such as adult coloring books) as “Art Therapy.”

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Join Us

When you donate to COATA this Colorado Gives Day, you’re investing in creativity, healing, and connection across our state. Together, we can engage, educate, and unite through the power of art therapy.

Help us make art therapy accessible for all Coloradans. Every gift large or small creates ripples of healing.