About the Conference
"Perspectives on Creativity" has as its goal the gathering of
professionals from different areas of study and practice in order to share
what we know about creativity. Individuals from the fields of psychology, philosophy,
education, art, political science, history, and medicine were invited to submit
papers addressing one of six themes. The themes included: the nature of creativity
and the creative process; the characteristics of creative individuals; the
relationship between creativity and mental health; the healing power of creativity;
the relationship between creativity and brain functioning; the developmental
trajectory of creativity; and society’s shaping influences on creativity.
It is anticipated that Conference participants will leave with a broader view
of the topic of creativity, will have had the opportunity to interact with
others interested in similar themes, and will have formed relationships that
may culminate in scholarly collaboration.
This conference originated
as a result of the strong personal and professional interest in creativity
by its organizer, Lynn DellaPietra, PhD. DellaPietra is an Associate Professor
of Psychology at Holy Family University, where she has taught for the past
10 years. Having taken piano lessons since the
age of five, she has been involved in many musical performances and productions,
most recently taking the form of music direction. A neuropsychologist by training,
DellaPietra is interested in cognitive functioning in creative individuals
and has lectured on this topic in many venues, including at the University
of Rome La Sapienza in 2006.
The conference will be held on March 29, 2008 at
Holy Family University in Philadelphia, PA. The conference will begin with
a complimentary continental breakfast and registration at 8:30 am, followed
by the keynote address. Hour-long workshops will be held from 10 am - noon
and then again from 1-4 pm. Lunch is included in the registration fee. Holy
Family’s art gallery will be
open during the conference for browsing. Please see the link to the conference
schedule for more detailed information.