Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

– Pablo Picasso

Art persists despite the pandemic; it is as if creativity can leap over nearly any barrier.  This was true during the two world wars and is just as true today, as each day we read and see new art being created despite local quarantines. In this issue, Art Therapist Eileen Misluk-Gervase illustrates her experience with “Cora,” an eating disorder patient. While practicing art therapy with individuals with eating disorders for over a decade, she has seen positive impact of this process on recovery.  The nonprofit American Art Therapy Association defines Art Therapy in the following way: “This approach is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.” [https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/]

Also in this issue are articles examining the effect of COVID-19 on eating disorders research, the effects of drug therapy in patients with bulimia nervosa, sports and the issue of body weight among young men, and much more. All of these articles reflect the many ways ED professionals are constantly working to improve the lives of patients with eating disorders. Thanks to virtual meetings, ED pros can also share ideas and techniques in small and larger groups.  For example, our publisher, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals, has opened registration for the 2021 iaedp national symposium, to be held via ZOOM meetings, beginning March 18-21. More information is available via the organization’s website, www.iaedp.com.

– MKS