From the Foreword to Creative Odyssey

The American Creativity Association (ACA) is an international organization for professionals in the field of creativity. Through its programs and services, it offers individuals and organizations opportunities for learning, professional development, and networking. ACA’s membership is comprised of educators, business professionals, scientists, artists, researchers, and other practitioners who are dedicated to promoting creativity in their organizations, their communities, and society as a whole. The ACA regards creativity as a vital part of every profession and views the development of creativity skills as essential for both individuals and organizations.

A central principle of the organization since its founding has been to sustain a creativity network that cuts across professions and disciplines. The ACA draws members from all walks of life and encourages the widest possible dialogue through the use of a variety of media and venues. ACA has members throughout the US and in more than 20 other countries.

ACA adopts a broad view of the field of creativity, embracing psychological and social approaches, implementation processes, and impact studies. The organization welcomes all professionals seeking to explore traditional and new ideas that enhance creativity. It fosters the rigorous, yet respectful, fact-based examination of these ideas in order to continue to expand the knowledge base of our discipline.

ACA’s annual conferences provide a unique opportunity for individuals interested in creativity to exchange ideas and concerns and to cross-fertilize knowledge among diverse areas of expertise and experience. This volume presents articles based on a selection of the sessions presented at the 2001 ACA conference, Creative Odyssey: Mind, Body, Spirit. The articles are loosely grouped into three categories: theoretical approaches to creativity, creativity training, and creativity in practice. We hope that you find them informative and useful as you continue your exploration of the creative process.