In April of 2002 Violet Parkhurst was honored by the President of the People's Republic of China as she became the first person in the world to have a painting - High Sierra Sentinel - presented to the President of China. As part of the same recognition, she became the first North American/European to have a painting - Moonlight - hung in the Museum of China.
These ceremonies took place April 29, 2002 in Beijing, China. Violet and her delegation, which included Rev. Moira Foxe and 21 members of the Redondo Beach Church of Religious Science, were received in Beijing in the manner of dignitaries, with smiling children bearing floral gifts, banners saying "Welcome to Violet Parkhurst, World Famous Marine Landscape Artist," police escorts through the city for every outing, and many smiling dignitaries. There were the banquets with toasts and speeches. It was all wonderful and very, very special.
Here are some of the photographs taken during the trip, which included a trip north to Changchun, China and the Jenin Art/Cartoon College, where Violet received an honorary Professor Emeritus designation. The entire delegation was greeted with a 300 member uniformed band playing American patriotic songs, while both the American and Chinese flags were held side-by-side.
Singing children greet the delegation
with
Welcome to China!
large
bouquets of flowers
Violet Parkhurst presents Sierra Sentinel to the
Rev. Moira and Violet Parkhurst
People's Republic of China at the Great Hall
at the Great Hall Presentation
The delegation at the Great
Hall of the People
The Great Hall of the People
The Great Hall of the People
The Ceiling in the Great Hall
Rev. Moira and Violet on Stage at the Great Hall
The Great Hall of the People