The Stone of Hope - Lei Lixin, Master Sculptor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial April 29, 2012

Lei Yixin, Master Sculptor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in Washington DC, will reveal the story of his latest masterpiece, the Stone of Hope and Mountain of Despair. The fascinating story involving friendship and work between American and Chinese people was fraught with controversy and challenge. Lei Yixin is the 2011 China Arts Person of the Year, the Sculptor of Record for the MLK Jr. National Memorial, the Dean of the Hunan Sculpture Institute, and the Associate Dean of Hunan Art Academy.

We will have an opportunity to hear about the origin and background of the MLK memorial, the controversies that occurred during the memorial’s development, and the professional achievements of Master Lei. There will be a discussion of several international events, including the amazing story of MinnesotaRocks!, the Meditation sculpture at Phalen Park , its vandalism and the restoration process. Master Lei will tell of his newest World War II memorial in Zhijiang, Hunan depicting General Claire Lee Chennault, Commander of the Flying Tigers, that was dedicated by Former President Jimmy Carter.

This talk will be in Mandarin with an English translation.

Official Website: https://events.umn.edu/020554