Christine Wang: Pioneering Chinese-American Art Therapist

Abstract

Christine Wang was a pioneering art therapist in Washington DC and Baltimore in the 1960s through the 1980s and the first Chinese-American art therapist in the United States. This biographical inquiry re-presents her role through interviews, historical documents, and publications. She made notable contributions to art therapy practice, research, and service (professional association and education). The intersections of her Chinese identity with her art therapy practice are explored through historical-cultural-political contexts and the model minority myth. Restoring Wang as a prominent figure in art therapy broadens the base of pioneers and increases racial representation in the profession.

Keywords:

• Christine Wang
• Chinese American
• art therapy history
• diversity

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jordan S. Potash

Jordan S. Potash, PhD, ATR-BC, LCAT, LCPAT, is Associate Professor, Art Therapy, The George Washington University, Alexandria, VA.