The American Art Therapy Association Endorses the Use of Dover Coloring & Activity Books in a Self-Care Regimen

MINEOLA, N.Y., January 19, 2016 /3BL Media/ — Dover Publications is proud to announce that the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) supports the idea that coloring is beneficial as a self-care activity.

The AATA is an organization representing over 5,000 practitioner and student members.  An integrative mental health profession, art therapy combines theories of human development and psychology with visual arts and the creative process to address a range of treatment goals.  Art therapists can help people resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.  Action-oriented and experientially based, art therapy  is conducted with individuals, couples, families and groups in diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities, mental health clinics, wellness centers,  senior centers, veteran’s clinics, correctional institutions and other community facilities.

“The adult coloring phenomenon is reintroducing art as an important component of health and wellness,” says Dr. Donna Betts, ATR-BC, AATA President.  “The AATA has been impressed by many of Dover’s publications, especially the Creative Haven^® coloring books for adults,” adds Dr. Betts. “Obviously, anyone who requires professional art therapy services should visit the AATA website for more information, but these books provide a pathway to the life-affirming pleasures of making art.”

With more than 10,000 low-priced books in print that span dozens of subject categories, it’s no surprise that Dover publishes an extensive assortment of titles that can be used in self-care or as a supplemental art activity.  With over 10 million copies sold, Creative Haven^® coloring books are one of the most popular choices for adults who love to color — and to relax in the process. Priced as low as $5.99, each edition features a variety of highly detailed illustrations, spotlighting many of today’s most sought-after themes, from mandalas and mosaics to Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs. Since colorists love to display their finished pieces, the images are printed on only one side of high-quality paper that is perforated at the spine for easy removal from the books.

The publisher also offers affordable resources that can provide enjoyable art activities for children, including basic coloring books, fun how-to-draw titles, and easy-to-do crafts, paperfolding, and model making guides.

Adult Colorists Love Creative Haven^® Coloring Books:
“Love, love, love Dover; no one out there like them. They keep my creative juices flowing and help me stay stress free and happy.” — Sheila, Phoenix, AZ

“I’m 68 years old. Loved to color when I was young, loved coloring in this book.” — City Nana, Buford, GA

“I love this book for its intricate designs. I can sit down and become totally absorbed in the coloring without any stress. It’s perfect for escaping the world and just coloring.” — Diva, Ormond Beach, FL

“I love to color as a pastime to relax. I love all of these pictures.” — Chica, Denver, CO

“My busy staff needs some relaxation time especially during down times. This coloring book is the exact thing they need. The pictures are beautiful and the artist can be very creative. This is a great tool during high stress times.” — Boomer, WI

“Beautiful illustrations. Allows me to decompress and get creative.” — Chill Girl, Pittsburgh, PA

Dover Publications, Inc., founded by New Yorkers Hayward and Blanche Cirker in 1941, is headquartered in Mineola, New York. More than 10,000 titles include books on architecture, astronomy, chess, clip art and fine art, crafts, history, literature, and mathematics, as well as music scores, the world’s premier paper doll line, value-priced Dover Little Activity Books, and titles by over two dozen Nobel Laureates. Dover also offers eBook versions of thousands of titles, available at a variety of online retailers, including the Apple iBookstore, Google, and Amazon. 

The American Art Therapy Association is an organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that making art is healing and life enhancing. Its mission is to serve its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence, and developing and promoting knowledge in, and of, the field of art therapy.