CHEN SHAOMEI (1909-1954) LandscapePROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF LILY LEE CHENCHEN SHAOMEI (1909-1954)LandscapeInk and color on paper, hanging scroll, framed and glazed, dedicated to Yaolin, signed Shaomei Chen Yunzhang, and with two artist's seals, with a colophon by Yaolin, gifted to Wanruo (Lily Chen), dated 1975.16 1/2 x 12 1/4in (42 x 31cm)陳少梅 山水 設色紙本 鏡屏 款識：曜林兄雅教少梅陳雲彰。鈐印：陳雲彰、少梅題識：贈寳和琬若夫妻亦一紀念也時客台員，曜林手識六十四年初夏。Lily Lee Chen was born in 1936 in Tianjin, China. Her father, Li Yaolin (1901-1994) was a prominent professor and member of the Kuomingtang. After the Communist Party of China took control of Tianjin in 1949, Lily and her family fled to Taiwan for safety. Growing up in Taiwan, Lily discovered her natural aptitude for public speaking. Her remarkable abilities did not go unnoticed, and in 1956, she was chosen as a representative of Taiwan for the prestigious Youth Specialists Program. This program, fostered by the U.S. Department of State, aimed to forge meaningful connections between the United States and China, a testament to Lily's exceptional talent and potential. Just a year later, Lily decided to pursue higher education in the United States, attending San Francisco State University and later The University of Washington. It was there that she met her husband, Paul, and together they started a family, welcoming their children, Helen and Arthur.In 1969, Lily's family relocated to Monterey Park, California, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey in public service. Encouraged by the local community, she ventured into politics and made her first bid for city council in 1981. Driven by a strong commitment to enhancing accessibility in the electoral process, Lily successfully developed a bilingual voter's registration guide. Despite a narrow defeat by a margin of 28 votes, she remained undeterred. In 1982, Lily ran for city council once again, securing an overwhelming victory that surpassed all previous records in Monterey Park. This triumph not only solidified her position as the city's Mayor but also made her a trailblazer as the first female Chinese-American mayor in the United States.Lily Lee Chen's indelible imprint on Monterey Park and her dedication to public service resonate as an inspiring testament to the power of determination and compassion. Her story continues to inspire generations to dream boldly and embrace the potential for change.