News | Posted August 7, 2024
Guest Blog Introducing…
Art Therapist, Wen-Hui Helen Chuang, is one of our successful applicants from our first round of funding. She tells us about her journey and how The John Preston Trust has supported her art practice.

My name is Wen-Hui Helen Chuang, and I am an art therapy trainee and educator with a background in health education. I am currently completing a Master’s degree in Art Psychotherapy at Queen Margaret University and apprenticing at a pottery studio in Leith.
I am passionate about making art therapy more accessible and innovative. I enjoy exploring new experiences, pushing my boundaries, and learning from diverse interactions. My current focus is on community engagement and professional development in art therapy.
The support of The John Preston Trust has facilitated my attendance at the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) Annual Conference 2024: Art Therapy and Innovation, which presents insights into the latest innovations and practices in the field of art therapy. At the same time, it has allowed me to trial my community art project as I establish myself as an art therapist, evaluating the outcomes in the hope to continue the project in the future.
My community project draws inspiration from the potential of social media. While there are ongoing debates about its influence, when utilised positively, social media can have a profound impact on society. Consider the example of Taiwanese illustrator, Li Bai (@bailee_story), who, over five years, created portrait paintings for nearly 2000 individuals on the streets. Through these interactions, he listened to strangers with kindness and without judgement, creating a safe space for art and opening hearts in a short span of time.
Seeking to combine this approach with the current trend of “Paint Your Spouse” events, which have gained popularity recently, my project offers a unique and captivating space for participants. Sharing my own story and introducing the concept of art therapy, I capture people’s reactions and reflections as they paint my portrait, documenting the process on social media. I invite individuals or small groups to participate, explain the art project to them, and enjoy the moments we share together.
@helencc.tw