Shirley Riley MA, ATR, HLM LMFT provided 26 years of service and education to students and future art therapists. She was a stimulating teacher, innovative in her teaching style who always kept abreast of developing art therapy approaches and specialties and of the development of new epistemologies in the human sciences. She conducted over 40 presentations at the American Art Therapy Association National Conference, frequently contributed to the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, authored three books and was the recipient of the 2000 Art Therapy Association Honorary Lifetime Membership. Shirley Riley's Books Shirley Riley Family Memorial by Program Chair Noah Hass-Cohen Shirley Riley Memorial at AATA, by Noah Hass-Cohen Experiential With Shirley Riley, by alumnae Vanessa Womack and Orliyah Israely

Shirley Riley MA ATR HLM LMFT left a legacy of wisdom and experience that will impact generations of art therapists. As an educator, mentor, and art therapist, Shirley taught with enthusiasm and compassion. Having been one of her students, I recognized that she was an astute observer. However, it was her warmth and genuineness that encouraged my class to share our fears and anxieties about whether or not we would ever be art therapists. In response, Shirley assigned us homework. She told us each to go home, look ourselves in the mirror everyday, and say to ourselves, “I am an art therapist. I am an art therapist. I am an art therapist.” In such a simple act, Shirley invited us to own our professional identity; she wanted us to know who we are. 
Sanie Andres, M.A., A.T.R., (Class of 2004)

In honor of Shirley Riley's wishes, and with the generosity of the Riley family, Lisa Porche-Burke, and alumni, the Shirley Riley Memorial Scholarship award was established in 2005. This award is given to the student who best examplifies Riley's spirit as an art therapist and healer.

Each year the Art Therapy scholar is sent to attend American Art Therapy Association (AATA) National Conference where he or she can enter the larger world of art therapy practice and the society of professionals and academics in the field.

Our goal is to endow this award. To do this, we host different celebratory events.  In 2008 works by art therapy students and faculty were exhibited and sold. All proceeds benefited the scholarship. To see the art, please visit the exhibit pages.

Additional donations are greatly appreciated. Please contact the Director of Advancement at 818.654.1732.