Grabie at the AATA 2025 Conference: Celebrating Creativity & Connection

This year’s American Art Therapy Association (AATA) Conference in Portland, Oregon, was another heart-warming reminder of why we do what we do. Every year, we look forward to connecting with the incredible community of art therapists, educators, and creative professionals who use art to bring healing and joy into people’s lives, and 2025 was no exception.

From the moment the doors opened, our table was buzzing with familiar faces and new friends alike. Attendees stopped by to say hello, share stories, and, most often, to say thank you for the art supplies we’ve donated to the conference gift bags year after year. Many told us how they’ve used their Grabie products in sessions with clients, classrooms, and even at home with their own families. We heard stories of children lighting up as they painted, of patients finding calm through color, and of therapists rediscovering their own creative spark. It was an honor to hear how Grabie’s materials have become part of so many meaningful moments.

For those meeting us for the first time, excitement was high. Many had already tried their Grabie product from this year’s conference gift bag and came straight to our table to explore more. There’s nothing quite like watching someone pick up one of our markers or brushes and immediately light up as they see the color hit the page.

One of our favorite moments from the conference came from the amazing AATA volunteer team, who found a creative use for our products before the event even began. The volunteers wanted to personalize rulers they were giving out to attendees, but every pen and marker they tried either smudged or wouldn’t adhere to the surface. That’s when our acrylic markers came to the rescue! A group of volunteers stayed up the night before the conference, hand-lettering information onto 1,000 rulers with our markers. They loved how bright, fun, and durable the colors looked and told us that Grabie saved the day. We couldn’t have been prouder.

At our table, the glitter acrylic markers stole the show. Nearly everyone who tried them fell in love with the opaque, shimmery colors and smooth application. Even self-proclaimed “glitter haters” admitted they were converted once they realized our glitter doesn’t make a mess! It was so rewarding to see the joy, curiosity, and creativity our products inspired throughout the event.

Each year, the AATA community reminds us why we believe in the power of art supporting mental health. Their dedication to supporting mental health through creativity is truly inspiring, and we’re grateful to continue playing a small part in their important work.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table, shared your stories, or picked up a marker or paintbrush and let yourself have some fun! Your enthusiasm fuels our mission to make art accessible, joyful, and a little more sparkly one brushstroke at a time.