Creatives in Conversation: The Art of Self-Care
Buddy Valentine + Elizabeth diGiacomantonio
May 9, 2025
6-8PM
Snacks + Sips
CREATE – 398 Main Street, Catskill NY
$25 MEMBER / $35 GENERAL / FREE* for Mental Health Professionals
$100 PATRON (includes 2 tickets + help underwrite the event and contribute to general CREATE programming support)
* FREE for Mental Health Professionals – use coupon code SELFCARE
Join us for a special edition of Creatives in Conversation, a community series featuring the voices of local creatives spotlighting Mental Health Awareness Month. This session features an open conversation between art therapist Elizabeth diGiacomantonio (LCAT, ATR-BC) and Kingston-based writer, designer, and all-around creative force Buddy Valentine, author of Rainbows, The Funnest, Coolest Book on Beating Depression.
Buddy will share insights from her colorful book series and share about how art, design, humor, and personal herstory have shaped her creative journey through mental illness. Elizabeth will guide the conversation through the lens of creative arts therapy, inviting dialogue on how we care for ourselves and each other as artists, friends, and community members.
The evening will include a facilitated group discussion and a fun interactive activity. This event is free for mental health professionals and we invite anyone interested in creativity, wellness, and community care.
Let’s talk, create, and learn together.
Buddy Valentine
@heybuddyvalentine
Buddy Valentine is a writer and designer living in the Hudson Valley. She has exhibited work in Kingston as well as completed public art projects, such as a mural with O+ and a bike rack design with Live Well Kingston. A certified aerobics instructor, her perspective on health/wellness is informed by pop culture, graphic design and personal history. Brown, the latest chapter in her book series Rainbows, The Funnest, Coolest Book On Beating Depression releases December 2025.
Elizabeth diGiacomantonio, MPS, LCAT, ATR-BC (she/her)
https://emdpsychotherapy.com
@studio_digiacomantonio
Elizabeth is a psychotherapist, board-certified creative arts therapist, artist, and educator. Elizabeth works with adult clients in private practice where she integrates traditional talk therapy with creative and somatic approaches. Elizabeth holds a masters degree in Creative Arts Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute, where she was awarded the Pratt Circle Award for academic excellence. In addition to her work as a therapist, Elizabeth maintains an active artistic practice and is a member of CREATE Council.