Muscatine's Golden Key (COURTESY OF WANG CHUN)

A key to friendship

One of Wang's paintings displayed at the Muscatine Art Center named Muscatine's Golden Key features Chinese President Xi Jinping receiving two golden keys from the town in the state of Iowa.

In 1985, Xi visited Muscatine as a young official from Zhengding County in Hebei Province, traveling with a delegation studying agricultural technology. He stayed with a local family to get a taste of everyday American life and later on received a golden key for his work boosting ties between Zhengding and Muscatine. In February 2012, Xi revisited his old friends in the county as China's vice president, when he received a second golden key.

"People were touched by the story that Mr. Xi did not forget the local family that hosted him for three days during his first visit. The friendship between Mr. Xi and ordinary Americans impressed many Chinese people, including me," Wang said.

Wang said he used Muscatine's iconic Norbert F. Beckey Bridge and the Mississippi River in the background as symbols of a partnership between China and the United States. Behind some auspicious clouds are two traditional Chinese vermillion red gates. "Those gates symbolize the opening of friendship between the two countries and the blending of two cultures," he said.

"Since being elected head of the Communist Party of China last November, Xi has done something that people really like. People think he's different. People expect a lot out of him."

Regarding his future plans, Wang said he wants to try something new: create works that combine modern computer technology with Eastern art. Wherever his creative energies take him, Wang said he'll always owe a lot to his family. "Although they may not understand my pursuit, they have always had my back," he said. "They are kind and generous people. Their deep love for my hometown in Hunan has strengthened my bond with China."

White Birch (COURTESY OF WANG CHUN)

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