Harriet Wadeson

I am a pioneer art therapist who entered the field before most people had heard of it. I cut my teeth at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD, where I conducted research for 13 years, and after publishing in many psychiatric journals with only a B.A. degree, got 2 masters degrees and a Ph.D. I directed an art therapy graduate program at the University of Illinois for 23 years and ran its Annual Art Therapy Summer Institute for 20 years. Currently I am heading an art therapy post-graduate program at Northwestern University. I have published 7 books in the field, numerous chapters in art therapy and psychology texts, and approximately 70 papers in professional journals. Awards have included a first prize for research from the American Art Therapy Assn., a Bronze Medal Award from the American Psychiatric Assn., Honorary Life Membership in the American Art Therapy Assn. (the profession's highest honor), numerous art awards including a first prize from the Smithsonian Institute, a Distinguished Faculty Award from Northwestern University, and a Resolution of Commendation from the Illinois Legislature. I have taught in many countries throughout Europe and Asia and led professional delegations to China, Indonesia, Bali, and Sweden. Currently I am writing novels, having completed 3 except for unending rewrites, but most of my energy right now is going into a cancer memoir that includes both journal entries and artwork.